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Persistent pain can affect daily life. If other chronic pain treatment options haven’t provided enough relief, spinal cord stimulation may be the next step. Because every person’s pain is different, a pain specialist will assess your condition to determine whether it’s an appropriate treatment for you.
This guide details how spinal cord stimulation works, the conditions it may help treat, and what to expect from the treatment process.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a type of neuromodulation therapy used to help manage certain types of chronic nerve pain. It involves a small implanted device called a spinal cord stimulator, which delivers gentle electrical pulses near the spinal cord.
The device changes the way pain signals are sent to the brain, which may reduce how strongly you experience pain. Treatment starts with a temporary trial so you and your pain specialist can decide whether it’s the right option before moving ahead with a permanent implant.
Which Conditions May Benefit From Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation may be considered if persistent pain hasn’t improved with conservative treatment. A pain specialist will assess whether it’s a suitable option for your individual needs.
- Chronic Back and Leg Pain
Persistent back or leg pain can affect daily life. If conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief, spinal cord stimulation may be considered as part of your chronic pain management plan.
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Some people continue to experience pain after spinal surgery. If conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief, failed back surgery syndrome treatment may include spinal cord stimulation.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
CRPS can develop after an injury or surgery and often causes ongoing pain. In some cases, neuromodulation therapy may be considered as part of a personalised treatment plan.
Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Peripheral neuropathic pain feels like burning, tingling, numbness, or electric shock-like pain. For some people, spinal cord stimulation may be considered as part of their neuropathic pain treatment plan.
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Persistent Nerve Pain After Surgery
For some people, nerve pain continues after surgery. If non-surgical treatments haven’t provided adequate relief, your pain specialist may recommend assessing whether spinal cord stimulation is a suitable option.
How Does the Spinal Cord Stimulation Process Work?
Understanding the treatment journey can make the process feel less overwhelming. Although every patient is different, the spinal cord stimulation procedure follows four stages.
- Initial Assessment
You’ll meet with a pain specialist to review your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments to see if spinal cord stimulation is suitable for you.
- Trial Period
Treatment starts with a temporary spinal cord stimulator to assess whether it provides meaningful pain relief before a permanent implant is considered.
- Permanent Implantation
If the trial is successful, a permanent spinal cord stimulator may be implanted and programmed to suit your individual needs.
- Ongoing Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up appointments help monitor your progress, adjust the device if needed, and support your chronic pain management plan.
Who Might Be a Suitable Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
A pain specialist will assess whether spinal cord stimulation is suitable for your condition. You may be considered if you:
- Have persistent chronic pain lasting several months or longer.
- Have explored conservative chronic pain treatment options, such as medication, physiotherapy, or injections, without adequate relief.
- Have symptoms of nerve-related pain that may benefit from neuropathic pain treatment.
- Continue to experience pain after spinal surgery and require further failed back surgery syndrome treatment.
- Are medically and psychologically suitable following a specialist assessment.
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Spinal Cord Stimulation vs Other Chronic Pain Treatments
Every pain condition is different, so treatment should always be tailored to the individual. The table below compares spinal cord stimulation with other commonly used chronic pain treatment options.
| Treatment | Purpose | Invasiveness | Potential Duration of Relief |
| Spinal cord stimulation | Alters pain signals before they reach the brain | Minimally invasive | Long-term for suitable patients |
| Physiotherapy | Improves movement, strength, and function | Non-invasive | Varies depending on the condition |
| Medications | Helps reduce pain and inflammation | Non-invasive | Short- or long-term |
| Pain relief injections | Targets specific sources of pain | Minimally invasive | Temporary and varies by patient |
Your pain specialist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and treatment history.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Results vary from person to person, but some patients experience meaningful improvements after spinal cord stimulation.
Potential benefits may include:
- Improved pain management.
- Better ability to complete everyday activities.
- Improved sleep quality.
- Increased participation in work, exercise, and hobbies.
- Reduced reliance on some pain medications where clinically appropriate.
- Better overall quality of life.
The level of improvement depends on the underlying cause of pain and each individual’s response to treatment.
Are There Any Risks or Limitations?
Like any medical procedure, spinal cord stimulation has potential risks and limitations. Understanding these helps you make an informed decision with your pain specialist.
Some important considerations include:
- Not everyone responds to treatment.
- There is a minor risk of infection or bleeding.
- The device may require future adjustments or maintenance.
- The treatment helps manage pain but does not cure its underlying cause.
- Ongoing follow-up appointments are important to monitor results and optimise therapy.
Your specialist will discuss the potential benefits and risks based on your individual circumstances.
Questions to Ask Before Considering Spinal Cord Stimulation
Before deciding whether spinal cord stimulation is right for you, consider asking your pain specialist the following questions:
- Have all appropriate conservative treatments been explored?
- Am I a suitable candidate for this treatment?
- What does the trial period involve?
- What outcomes can I realistically expect?
- What are the potential risks and benefits in my situation?
Having an open discussion can help you better understand your options and make an informed decision about your care.
Could Spinal Cord Stimulation Be Part of Your Pain Management Plan?
Spinal cord stimulation may be an option for people with persistent nerve pain when conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief. A pain specialist can determine whether it’s appropriate for your needs.
At PainMed, we provide personalised assessments to determine whether spinal cord stimulation is suitable for your condition. Speak with our pain specialists to discuss your treatment options.
Call PainMed today on 02 8999 1054 to arrange a consultation and discuss the most suitable treatment options for your pain.
FAQs
- Is spinal cord stimulation permanent?
Spinal cord stimulation is designed as a long-term treatment. The device can be adjusted, replaced, or removed if necessary, depending on your medical condition and specialist’s recommendation.
- Does the procedure eliminate pain completely?
No. Spinal cord stimulation helps reduce chronic pain rather than eliminate it entirely. Pain relief varies between individuals, with many patients experiencing improved comfort and daily function.
- How long does the trial period last?
The trial period lasts several days. During this time, your specialist evaluates your pain relief and overall response before recommending permanent implantation.
- What conditions can spinal cord stimulation help treat?
It may be considered for conditions such as chronic back pain, CRPS, peripheral neuropathic pain, and failed back surgery syndrome treatment.
- Can the device be adjusted after implantation?
Yes. The spinal cord stimulator can be programmed and adjusted during follow-up appointments.
- What happens if spinal cord stimulation does not work?
If the trial doesn’t provide meaningful relief, a permanent device is not recommended, and other treatment options will be discussed.
- Is spinal cord stimulation safe?
Like any medical procedure, it carries risks. Your pain specialist will explain the potential benefits and risks before treatment.
- How long does recovery usually take?
Recovery varies between individuals, but most patients receive personalised guidance on returning to normal activities after the procedure.
