Considering a Spinal Cord Stimulator in Marietta? Here’s What to Know

If you’ve lived with chronic back or nerve pain that just won’t fade — even after medications, injections, or physical therapy — you’re not alone. For many, pain becomes a constant companion that disrupts sleep, work, and daily joy.

But there’s hope. Advances in medical technology have made it possible to manage pain at its source — and one of the most effective, minimally invasive options is the Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS).

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine in Marietta, we understand how exhausting it can be to live in pain day after day. That’s why our board-certified specialists offer innovative, drug-free solutions like spinal cord stimulation to help patients reclaim control over their lives.

Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a small, implantable medical device designed to help people manage chronic pain. It works by sending mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, effectively “interrupting” pain signals before they reach the brain.

Think of it as a pain-modulating system. Instead of eliminating the physical source of pain, an SCS changes how your brain perceives those signals — replacing the sensation of pain with something more tolerable, often described as a light tingling or gentle pulse.

For many patients, this technology has been life-changing, providing long-term relief when other treatments have failed.

How Does It Work?

A spinal cord stimulator system typically includes three main components:

  1. Pulse Generator (Battery): A small device implanted beneath the skin, often in the lower back or buttocks.
  2. Leads (Thin Wires): These are carefully placed near the spinal cord to deliver targeted electrical impulses.
  3. Remote Control: Patients can easily adjust the stimulation strength or pattern to meet their comfort level.

The science behind it is simple yet powerful. When the SCS sends gentle electrical currents to specific spinal nerves, it alters how pain messages travel to the brain. Instead of the brain registering discomfort, those signals are replaced by a soothing tingling sensation called “paresthesia.”

Over time, many patients report not only reduced pain but also improved mobility, better sleep, and decreased dependence on pain medications.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we use the latest spinal cord stimulation technology to ensure safe, effective, and precise pain management — all performed in our state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center in Marietta.

Who Can Benefit from a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Common Conditions Treated

Spinal cord stimulation is often recommended for patients who experience chronic pain that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments. Conditions that respond well to SCS therapy include:

  • Chronic back or neck pain after surgery (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)
  • Sciatica or nerve pain (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Post-surgical or post-injury nerve pain
  • Neuropathy (diabetic or peripheral)
  • Chronic pain unresponsive to medications or injections

This therapy is not limited to one area of the body — it can help with pain in the back, legs, arms, or feet, depending on where the leads are placed.

When Other Treatments Haven’t Worked

You might be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if:

  • You’ve tried physical therapy, medications, or injections with little relief.
  • You’re seeking a non-opioid alternative for pain management.
  • You’re not ready or not eligible for major spine surgery.

Many patients come to us after months — or even years — of trying to manage pain through conservative means. For them, a spinal cord stimulator offers a renewed sense of possibility.

The Spinal Cord Stimulator Process

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, our approach to spinal cord stimulation is designed to be safe, precise, and personalized. Every patient’s pain is unique — so is their treatment plan. We begin with a short, reversible trial phase before recommending a permanent implant, ensuring you experience meaningful relief before committing to long-term therapy.

The Trial Phase

Before moving forward with permanent implantation, patients undergo a temporary spinal cord stimulator trial. This crucial step helps determine whether the therapy is right for you.

  • The trial typically lasts 5–7 days.
  • During the procedure, thin leads (wires) are gently placed near the spinal cord through a small needle — no major incision required.
  • These leads are connected to an external pulse generator that delivers mild electrical signals to the nerves responsible for transmitting pain.

You’ll go home the same day and continue your usual daily activities while tracking your pain levels and comfort.

If you experience at least 50% or more reduction in pain, better sleep, and improved mobility, you may be an excellent candidate for a permanent implant.

The Permanent Implant Procedure

If your trial is successful, the next step is the permanent implantation, which is minimally invasive and performed as an outpatient procedure at our advanced Ambulatory Surgery Center in Marietta.

  • The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or light sedation for maximum comfort.
  • The small pulse generator (similar in size to a pacemaker) is implanted just beneath the skin — usually near the lower back or buttocks.
  • The thin leads are carefully positioned near the spinal cord to deliver precise electrical stimulation to the affected nerves.
  • Patients typically go home the same day and resume light activities within a few days to a week.

Because the procedure doesn’t require large incisions or bone removal, recovery is typically smooth, with minimal downtime.

Post-Procedure & Follow-Up

After implantation, Medici’s pain management team works closely with you to fine-tune your stimulator settings for maximum relief.

  • Each patient receives customized programming to adjust the frequency, strength, and patterns of stimulation.
  • Follow-up visits are scheduled to ensure that your device remains optimized for your needs.
  • You can adjust or turn off the device anytime using a handheld remote, allowing you full control over your comfort level.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, your journey doesn’t end after the procedure — it continues with our dedicated follow-up care, ensuring you receive the best outcomes possible.

Benefits of a Spinal Cord Stimulator

Living with chronic pain doesn’t mean living without hope. For many patients, spinal cord stimulation represents a turning point — a path back to independence, activity, and joy.

Long-Term Pain Relief

Spinal cord stimulation offers consistent, lasting relief for many chronic pain sufferers.

  • Patients often experience a significant reduction in pain intensity, sometimes by half or more.
  • The stimulator provides continuous or on-demand pain control, helping you manage flare-ups without relying on medications.

Reduces Medication Dependency

One of the most life-changing benefits of SCS therapy is the reduction or elimination of opioid use.

  • By managing pain at its source, many patients can reduce dependence on prescription medications.
  • This supports a safer, more natural recovery, free from the side effects of long-term drug use.

Improved Quality of Life

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect your body — it affects your mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

  • Spinal cord stimulation helps restore the ability to perform normal daily activities.
  • Many patients report better sleep, improved focus, and greater emotional balance.
  • You can get back to enjoying hobbies, family time, and work without being held back by pain.

Minimally Invasive and Reversible

  • The SCS procedure involves no major incisions or bone removal, making it far less invasive than traditional surgery.
  • The device can be reprogrammed, adjusted, or safely removed if necessary — offering flexibility as your pain or needs change.

Take Control of Your Pain — Without Surgery

Living with chronic pain can feel isolating — but you don’t have to manage it alone.
Spinal Cord Stimulation offers a proven, minimally invasive way to reduce pain and restore function, especially for patients who have not found relief through traditional therapies.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’re proud to offer advanced spinal cord stimulator technology combined with expert care and a compassionate touch. Our focus isn’t on masking symptoms — it’s on restoring mobility, comfort, and confidence so you can live the life you deserve.

📞 Contact Us Today:
🌐 Website: www.mediciortho.com
📱 Phone: +1 (844) 328-4624

🏥 Our Locations:

  • Marietta: 792 Church Street, Unit 101, Marietta, GA 30060
  • Snellville: 2220 Wisteria Dr, Unit 100, Snellville, GA 30078
  • Kennesaw: 2911 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 50, Kennesaw, GA 30144
  • Buckhead: 3200 Downwood Circle, Suite 520, Atlanta, GA 30327

📲 Follow Medici Orthopaedics & Spine for More Wellness Insights:

Tired of Feeling
Like Just Another
Chart?

At Medici, you’re more than your MRI.
We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.