How Spinal Cord Stimulators Provide Ongoing, Drug-Free Relief From Chronic Back Pain

Living with chronic back pain can be physically and emotionally draining, especially if medications and therapies haven’t provided lasting relief. For many patients, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a way to control pain without the ongoing use of drugs.

At Spinal Diagnostics, our team of pain management experts offers spinal cord stimulators as part of our comprehensive approach to chronic pain relief. This innovative therapy can reduce the need for medications and improve your overall quality of life.

What is spinal cord stimulation?

A spinal cord stimulator is a small, implanted device that sends mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with the pain signals traveling to your brain, effectively “masking” the pain sensation and offering relief.

The device includes a pulse generator implanted under the skin and thin wires (leads) placed near the spinal cord. You can control the stimulator using a remote to adjust the strength and timing of the electrical signals.

Spinal cord stimulation doesn’t fix the underlying problem but helps reduce the perception of pain — allowing you to return to daily activities and reduce or eliminate your reliance on pain medications.

Who is a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?

We may recommend spinal cord stimulation if you have chronic back or nerve pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. Conditions that may benefit from SCS include:

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
Post-surgical nerve damage
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Chronic sciatica or neuropathy

Before a permanent device is implanted, you’ll undergo a trial period with a temporary stimulator to evaluate how well it relieves your pain. If the trial is successful, we move forward with the full implantation.

Benefits of spinal cord stimulators

Spinal cord stimulators are a long-term solution for many patients, offering ongoing relief without medication side effects. Key benefits include:

Drug-free pain management
Improved ability to perform daily activities
Personalized pain control with adjustable settings
Reversible and minimally invasive

Most patients report significant reductions in pain and are able to lower or discontinue opioid medications altogether.

If chronic back pain is interfering with your life, a spinal cord stimulator might be the solution. Contact our team at Spinal Diagnostics today to find out if you’re a candidate for this advanced, drug-free treatment.

The Ultimate Guide To Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

The Ultimate Guide To Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Living with chronic neck pain or spinal issues can be both physically and emotionally draining. When conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or rest no longer provide relief, spine surgery...

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects the spine as we age. It occurs when the intervertebral discs — the cushions between your vertebrae — begin to break down, causing pain, stiffness, and...

The Dangers of Tech Neck

The Dangers of Tech Neck Whether you’re checking social media, answering emails, or watching videos, odds are good you spend several hours a day looking down at a device. Unfortunately, this frequent forward-head posture can strain the muscles in your neck and upper...

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option Most people who develop back pain want to avoid surgery — and that’s a great instinct. At Spinal Diagnostics, we always prioritize conservative and minimally invasive treatments first. That said, back surgery remains a necessary...

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis Chronic lower back and leg pain can make daily life incredibly difficult — especially when it’s caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). If conservative therapies haven’t worked and you’re not ready for...

4 Common Migraine Triggers

4 Common Migraine Triggers If you experience migraines, you know how quickly they can disrupt your day. While migraines often seem to strike without warning, identifying your personal triggers can help you prevent or manage future attacks. At Spinal Diagnostics, we...

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It Urinary incontinence affects millions of Americans and can be a frustrating and isolating condition. Whether it’s occasional leaks or a more constant issue, incontinence can interfere with your work,...

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines Many people who suffer from migraines notice a pattern: their headaches worsen when the weather shifts. While scientists haven’t pinpointed all the mechanisms, there’s growing evidence that weather changes can trigger or...

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy About 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord and most commonly impacts the feet and legs first. At Spinal...

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be an incredibly frustrating and isolating experience. Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically...