Understanding the Trial Period of Spinal Cord Stimulation

If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) might offer the relief you’ve been seeking. But before making the commitment to a permanent implant, patients undergo a trial period to ensure that this therapy is the right fit.

At Spinal Diagnostics, our team guides you through this important step with personalized care and expert support.

What Is the Trial Period?

The trial period for spinal cord stimulation involves temporarily implanting a small device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing your perception of pain.

The trial usually lasts about 5-7 days and is designed to help you determine whether SCS significantly reduces your pain and improves your function and quality of life.

What to Expect During the Trial

Here’s how the trial process works:

A pain specialist places temporary leads into your epidural space during a minimally invasive procedure.
You’re given an external pulse generator to wear on your belt or clothing.
You can adjust the stimulation levels using a remote control to manage your pain.
Throughout the trial, you track your pain levels and daily activities to evaluate the effectiveness.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and most people return home the same day.

Who Is a Candidate for a Trial?

SCS trials are typically recommended for patients who have:

Chronic pain in the back, legs, or arms that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments
Conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or neuropathic pain
A willingness to explore advanced therapies after exhausting other options

Before proceeding, we conduct a full evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate for the trial and eventual implantation.

Live Life Without Pain

Personalized care for chronic pain, spine conditions, and nerve disorders. Let us help you feel your best again.

What Happens After the Trial?

If you experience a significant reduction in pain (typically 50% or more) and improved function during the trial, you may be a candidate for permanent implantation. If not, the leads are removed without permanent changes, and we explore alternative treatment paths.

Spinal cord stimulation isn’t right for everyone, but the trial gives you a low-risk opportunity to test its benefits firsthand.

Want to learn more about SCS and whether a trial might be right for you? Contact Spinal Diagnostics today to schedule a consultation.

What to Expect at Your First Pain Management Appointment

What to Expect at Your First Pain Management Appointment If you are wondering what to expect at your first pain management appointment, the visit is usually focused on understanding your symptoms, medical history, previous care, and how pain affects your daily life....

Do You Need an MRI for Back Pain? What It Can and Can’t Show

Do You Need an MRI for Back Pain? What It Can and Can’t Show If you have ongoing or recurring back pain, it is natural to wonder whether you need an MRI. An MRI for back pain can be useful in certain situations, but not everyone needs imaging right away. Not everyone...

What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like? Pain, Tingling, Numbness, and Weakness

What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like? Pain, Tingling, Numbness, and Weakness If you are asking, “what does a pinched nerve feel like?” the answer often starts with sensations that feel different from ordinary soreness. A pinched or irritated nerve may cause pain,...

When Should You See a Doctor for Back or Neck Pain?

When Should You See a Doctor for Back or Neck Pain? If you are wondering when to see a doctor for back pain, the answer is not based only on how intense the pain feels. Consider an evaluation when back or neck pain persists, keeps returning, worsens, or repeatedly...

Can Poor Posture Cause Neck and Back Pain?

Can Poor Posture Cause Neck and Back Pain? If your neck feels tight after a long workday, your upper back aches after laptop use, or your lower back hurts after hours of sitting, it is reasonable to wonder whether posture is part of the problem. Many people connect...

Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Wake Up?

Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Wake Up? If you often wonder, “Why does my lower back hurt when I wake up?” one possible reason is that your muscles, joints, and spine have remained relatively still for several hours. Sleeping position, mattress support, muscle...

Back Pain Treatment Options: When Minimally Invasive Care May Help

Back Pain Treatment Options: When Minimally Invasive Care May Help When back pain keeps returning, it can be hard to know what to try next. Many people start with rest, medication, stretching, home care, or physical therapy. Sometimes that is enough. Other times, the...

Chronic Back Pain That Keeps Coming Back: When Rest and Physical Therapy May Not Be Enough

Chronic Back Pain That Keeps Coming Back: When Rest and Physical Therapy May Not Be Enough If you are dealing with chronic back pain that keeps returning, it can be hard to tell whether you are facing a stubborn but manageable problem or something that needs a closer...

When Leg Pain May Be Coming From Your Spine

When Leg Pain May Be Coming From Your Spine Leg pain does not always start in the leg itself. If you have leg pain along with low back pain, pain shooting down the leg, burning, tingling, or weakness, the real source may sometimes be in the lower back. This can be...

Stiff Neck Headache: When Neck Pain and Headaches Are Connected

Stiff Neck Headache: When Neck Pain and Headaches Are Connected A stiff neck headache can be frustrating because it is not always obvious where the pain is really starting. Some people feel neck pain at the base of the skull first, then notice the discomfort spreading...