What spine problems can be treated with SCS?

SCS is best for treating nerve pain caused by a pinched or injured nerve. It is also good for treating mechanical back pain from conditions such as degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy (pain that radiates down the arm or leg), spinal stenosis, failed back surgery or residual pain after back surgery, and sciatica. Additionally, SCS is useful for treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a relatively uncommon form of chronic pain. It is important to note that spinal stimulation does not treat weakness or numbness and is not useful for treating pain caused by bone fractures or cancers.

When should a trial of SCS be considered in someone with chronic pain?

Doctors recommend trying conventional treatments for at least 3 to 6 months before considering SCS. However, in exceptional cases, such as CRPS patients, spinal cord stimulation should be used sooner because success rates decrease if the pain persists for more than a year. This is because pain pathways become rewired in people who have had CRPS for more than a year or two, making it difficult to reverse the condition.

Is spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain the right treatment for all chronic pain patients?

Spinal cord stimulation should not be used in patients who are pregnant, unable to operate on an SCS system, have failed an SCS trial, or are at risk for surgical complications. As mentioned earlier, the decision to have SCS is entirely based on your individual needs and risks. The only person with the authority to decide is your doctor. You can discuss all your concerns with him or her so that he or she can choose the best treatment for you.