Spinal Cord Stimulator FAQs + Info

Spinal Cord Stimulator FAQs PTCOA

Chronic back pain--pain that lasts for 12 weeks or more--is one of the leading causes of disability and lost time at work in the United States. Back pain, either acute or chronic, was the second most common patient-reported medical complaint in one study that covered 12 countries and five continents1. Chronic low back pain has even been linked to a lower perceived quality of life in affected patients2. 


Diagnosis and treatment of back pain is complex and sometimes difficult. Back pain can be caused by a number of conditions and injuries and can plague individuals long after an injury has healed or a condition has been treated. 


For patients experiencing chronic back pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatment options, like anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy or rest, a spinal cord stimulator trial may be an effective solution.


Here’s what you should know about this life-changing pain treatment option

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a minimally-invasive procedure that implants a neuromodulation device (pulse generator) in the spine of a person experiencing chronic back pain. The device is controlled by the patient, who uses a remote control to trigger the release of tiny electrical pulses when he or she experiences back pain. 


These electrical signals stimulate the nerves in the spine, interrupting the pain signals those nerves are sending to the brain.


Spinal cord stimulation has been used for over 40 years in treating chronic back pain.

Which Pain Conditions Can Be Treated With a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A number of conditions cause pain that is non-responsive to traditional pain treatments. In these cases, spinal cord stimulation may provide an exceptional level of pain relief and may allow patients to reduce the amount of pain medication they need to manage their symptoms. 


The conditions have been successfully treated with spinal cord stimulators:


Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. FBSS is not actually a syndrome. Instead, it’s a collection of symptoms experienced by individuals who have undergone back surgery that wasn’t successful3. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome causes persistent, new or worsening pain following back surgery. This pain often results from the buildup of scar tissue around spinal nerves, recurrent disc herniation, and errors by surgeons. Pain caused by FBSS may not respond to traditional pain treatments. 


Neuropathy. Neuropathy is a painful condition caused by damage to nerve tissues. When a nerve is damaged, it can produce an abnormal pain sensation, even when there is no painful stimuli4. Neuropathy symptoms include numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, a feeling of pins and needles, and general pain in the affected areas. Neuropathy commonly occurs in people with diabetes or HIV or in those who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. It is also found in people who drink heavily or those working in professions that require repeated physical movements.


Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, is a condition that causes chronic pain as a result of dysfunction or inflammation in the peripheral or central nervous systems5. This nerve system dysfunction is typically caused by an injury, prior surgery, and prolonged lack of movement in a limb. Rarely, CRPS can occur without a clear cause. CRPS can cause a variety of pain sensations, including burning, throbbing, temperature sensitivity, swelling and muscle spasms. It can also cause changes in skin texture and color, abnormal hair and nail growth, and muscle weakness in the affected area. 


Arachnoiditis. Arachnoiditis is a rare pain condition caused by inflammation in one of the spinal nerves’ protective membranes. Arachnoiditis can be caused by a number of conditions or incidents, including injury, infection, exposure to chemicals, failed spinal surgery, and compression of the spinal nerves. The condition causes shooting pains, numbness, tingling, and even a sensation of insects crawling on the skin. Some individuals with arachnoiditis experience muscle cramps, involuntary muscle twitching, and bladder, bowel and sexual problems. 


Outside of these conditions, a spinal cord stimulator may work for individuals who stump pain, multiple sclerosis and other conditions. 


It is important to talk to a pain specialist about the nature, severity, and duration of your pain. If you’ve been experiencing chronic back pain for a long time, a pain specialist may be able to help. 

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial?

Before a patient can receive a spinal cord stimulator implant--a permanent implant in the spinal canal--he or she must undergo a spinal cord stimulator trial. The trial phase is extremely important, as it will allow your pain management provider to determine how effective spinal cord stimulation is in relieving your pain. 


During the trial phase, the epidural space--the outermost area of the spinal canal--is accessed using x-ray guidance and an epidural needle. Once proper placement of the needle has been confirmed, your pain specialist will insert a small electrode through the needle and confirm proper placement in the epidural space. These electrodes are connected to a spinal cord stimulator device that, when activated, sends tiny electrical pulses to the epidural space. After one electrode is successfully placed, the process is repeated to place a second electrode. Placement of two electrodes is typical during the trial phase.


After proper placement of the electrodes, a member of the device’s team will activate the spinal cord stimulator and ask you to describe the sensations you experience as he or she adjusts the device’s settings. A successful trial will gradually replace pain sensations with a pleasant tingling feeling, a process which typically takes only 10 minutes. 


After the initial test of the electrodes, your pain specialist will remove the epidural needle and secure the electrodes to your back with tape and a small number of stitches. Once this is complete, you will leave the clinic and begin a 5-day trial of the device. During the trial, you should continue all daily activities normally. You should also continue to take any prescribed daily pain medications. During this time, pay close attention to your pain levels and how your activity level is affected due to your pain. 


At the end of the five day trial period, you will return to the pain clinic to have the electrodes removed. You will also talk to your doctor about the effectiveness of the trial in reducing your daily pain. 


If you experienced at least a fifty percent reduction in pain and were able to complete daily activities more easily, you’re likely a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator implant.

Permanent Implantation of a Spinal Cord Stimulator After Successful Trial

If a patient has undergone a successful spinal cord stimulator trial, he or she may elect to receive a permanent implanted device. 


Permanent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room. 


The permanent implantation can be done via laminotomy, performed by an outside surgeon, or via percutaneous implant, performed by a pain specialist. 


It’s important to talk with your pain specialist about the risks, benefits and potential complications of permanent implantation via laminotomy versus percutaneous implantation. 

What Are the Potential Complications of a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulation is considered a safe procedure.


However, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including:


- Infection at implant site

- Device migration (a permanent device is typically implanted using sutures to minimize post-procedure migration)

- Damage to the device, typically caused by an injury, intense physical activity like heavy lifting, or physical trauma near the implant site

- Dural damage, leading to severe headaches

- Nerve damage and paralysis


It’s important to note that serious biological complications, like dural damage, nerve damage or spinal trauma, are extremely rare6. 

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials and Implantation with PTCOA in Arkansas

Many people with chronic back pain suffer for years without ever truly learning which options are available to address their pain. 


The pain management specialists at Pain Treatment Centers of America specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic back pain, including pain that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments. 


If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, our pain specialists may be able to recommend new treatments or procedures that finally provide you with relief. 


If you’re interested in learning more about spinal cord stimulation at Pain Treatment Centers of America, contact us today: (844) 215-0731.

Sources:


  1. "What are the most common conditions in primary care? - NCBI." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6234945/.
  2. "Personal and Societal Impact of Low Back Pain - LWW Journals." 15 Dec. 2019, https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/fulltext/2019/12150/personal_and_societal_impact_of_low_back_pain__the.9.aspx
  3. "Failed back surgery syndrome: current perspectives - NCBI." 7 Nov. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5106227/.
  4. "Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet | National Institute of ...." https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet.
  5. "Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Fact Sheet | National ...." https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Complex-Regional-Pain-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet.
  6. "Chiropractic management of post spinal cord stimulator spine ...." 6 Feb. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5292803/.

When Pain Isn’t Structural: Understanding Neuropathic Pain

June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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Chronic or acute pain has the potential to significantly impact your daily life, making even everyday tasks a hassle. Pain Treatment Centers of America believes that knowing your medication options is a crucial step in building an appropriate, personal pain management strategy. While many treatment options are available, pharmacologic therapy has been the peak of comprehensive care. Types of Medications Used in Pain Management Pain medications are not universalized. The selection of the right prescription depends on the pain type, severity, and medical history. Common categories include: 1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, tend to be the first line of defense for low levels of pain. They reduce swelling and provide comfort associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, or joint injuries. In some patients, however, they can affect the stomach or kidneys. Therefore, careful studying and dosing guidance from a professional is key. 2. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is mostly for general pain reduction and is sometimes combined with other treatments. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t target swelling. Nonetheless, it can be effective for pain relief and daily improvement. 3. Muscle Relaxants For pain caused by muscle spasms or tension, muscle relaxants can provide relief. These medications work by calming overactive muscles and are usually prescribed for short-term use to prevent dependency or side effects. 4. Antidepressants and Anti-Seizure Medications Certain antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs can treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. They work by altering how the nervous system processes signals of pain throughout your body. Even if you do not experience depression or seizures, these medications assist with pain control. 5. Opioids Opioids are strong pain-relieving medications chosen for more potent pain when other options aren’t doing the trick. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we practice strict guidelines to minimize risks, evaluate patient progress, and ensure healthy, responsible use. A combination of Opioids can be introduced to other treatments as part of a multimodal pain management plan. Personalized Pain Management The effectiveness of medications is best when combined with other therapies; physical therapy, interventional procedures, and lifestyle changes. We work closely with each patient to structure a plan that focuses on the root cause of pain, not just the signs. Every treatment plan is carefully engineered, giving thought to variables like medical history, existing conditions, and possible side effects. Patients are taught how to use the medication safely, dosing schedules, and expectations of each prescription. Take the Next Step Understanding your medication options enables you to take charge of your pain and improve your life overall. If you’re having issues with chronic or acute pain, our professionals at Pain Treatment Centers of America will gladly help. We mix the most up-to-date pharmacologic therapies with personalized care to provide comfort, improve function, and enhance your total well-being. Schedule a consultation today to learn which pain management medications are a good fit.
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