From Trial to Implant: The Journey of Spinal Cord Stimulation Patients

For patients who have tried countless treatments for chronic back or nerve pain without success, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers renewed hope. Chronic pain can be exhausting — physically, emotionally, and mentally — especially when medications, physical therapy, or injections only bring temporary relief. That’s where SCS comes in: a modern, minimally invasive solution designed to help patients finally take back control of their lives.

Spinal Cord Stimulation is an FDA-approved therapy that uses gentle electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Think of it as a sophisticated pain “gatekeeper” — instead of allowing constant pain messages to overwhelm your nervous system, the stimulator replaces them with a mild tingling sensation or even complete relief, depending on your settings and individual response.

Unlike traditional surgery, SCS does not remove or alter any part of your spine. Instead, it uses a small, implantable device that works with your body’s own nervous system to manage pain naturally and effectively. Many patients who undergo SCS experience a 50% to 80% reduction in pain, with improved mobility and a renewed sense of independence.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, with convenient locations in Kennesaw, Marietta, Snellville, and Buckhead, our specialists are leaders in advanced interventional spine care — and Spinal Cord Stimulation is one of the key therapies we use to help patients find long-term relief without relying on addictive medications or invasive surgery.

We understand that choosing a procedure like this can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why our team walks every patient through the process with compassion, transparency, and ongoing support — from the initial consultation to the trial phase and, if successful, the permanent implant.

How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works

Simplified Science

The Spinal Cord Stimulator is a small, implantable device that works by sending gentle electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses disrupt or “mask” pain messages before they reach the brain, effectively changing how your nervous system perceives pain.

Instead of feeling chronic, burning, or shooting pain, many patients experience a mild tingling or soothing sensation — or in some cases, complete relief, depending on the settings and device used. It’s like turning down the “volume” on your pain without relying on medications or surgery.

This process doesn’t damage nerves or block movement — it simply retrains how your body processes pain signals, offering safe and lasting relief.

Technology Focus

Today’s SCS systems are more advanced than ever, designed for comfort, convenience, and long-term reliability. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we use state-of-the-art spinal cord stimulation devices that can be precisely customized to each patient’s anatomy and pain pattern.

Modern features include:

• Rechargeable batteries that can last over a decade, minimizing the need for replacements.
• Wireless control systems allowing patients to easily adjust stimulation levels with a handheld remote or smartphone app.
• Adaptive programming that automatically adjusts stimulation based on body position, movement, or activity level — ensuring consistent comfort throughout the day.

Each stimulator is carefully programmed by our specialists to match your individual needs, ensuring that you receive targeted, effective pain relief that integrates seamlessly into your daily life.

Outcome: Life Restored

For most patients, the results of Spinal Cord Stimulation are nothing short of life-changing. Studies — and our own patient experiences at Medici — show that SCS can reduce pain by 50–80% for those with chronic back, neck, or nerve-related conditions.

Beyond pain relief, patients frequently report:

• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced dependence on pain medications
• And most importantly, a renewed quality of life — being able to walk, work, and enjoy family activities again

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we believe pain management is about more than just reducing discomfort — it’s about restoring independence, energy, and peace of mind. Through Spinal Cord Stimulation, that goal becomes a reality for countless patients across Kennesaw, Marietta, Snellville, and Buckhead every year.

The Trial Phase: Testing Before Committing

Purpose of the Trial

The SCS trial period is designed to help you and your physician determine whether spinal cord stimulation effectively reduces your pain and improves your quality of life. During this short, low-risk evaluation, you’ll experience firsthand how the device feels and how much relief it provides in your everyday environment — from working or walking to resting and sleeping.

What Happens During the Trial

The trial is a straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia in one of Medici’s comfortable, state-of-the-art facilities.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Temporary Lead Placement:
   A thin, flexible wire (called a lead) is gently inserted near the spinal cord through a small needle — no incisions required.
2. Connection to External Stimulator:
   The lead is then connected to an external stimulator, which you’ll wear discreetly on your belt or waistband. This external device delivers gentle electrical pulses that interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain.
3. Trial Duration:
   The trial typically lasts 5–7 days, giving you ample time to evaluate how well the therapy works in real-life settings — while you move, rest, and go about your normal activities.

Throughout the trial, you’ll have full control of the stimulation intensity using a small handheld remote, allowing you to find the settings that bring the most comfort and relief.

Patient Experience

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure and often feel pain relief almost immediately once stimulation begins. You’ll return home the same day and can usually resume light activities within 24 hours.

During the trial, our Medici care team will stay in close contact to answer any questions, monitor your progress, and help you get the most benefit from the experience.

The Permanent Implant Procedure

Procedure Overview

The permanent implant procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment that typically takes place in our advanced ambulatory surgery center.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Lead Placement:
  The same process used during your trial is repeated — only this time, the leads are permanently implanted near the spinal cord in the exact location that provided the best relief during your trial period.
• Implanting the Pulse Generator:
  These leads are connected to a small device called an Internal Pulse Generator (IPG), which is placed under the skin, usually near the lower back or upper buttocks. This discreet, battery-powered device sends mild electrical impulses through the leads to control pain signals.
• Anesthesia and Comfort:
  The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia or mild sedation to keep you comfortable throughout. No hospital stay is required, and most patients are able to return home the same day.

Recovery

Recovery from SCS implantation is generally smooth and quick. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how minimal the discomfort is and how fast they’re able to get back to normal life.

• Return to Routine:
  Most individuals can resume normal activities within a few days, with some temporary limitations on heavy lifting or twisting motions while the site heals.
• Fine-Tuning Pain Control:
  Once you’ve healed, our specialists will work closely with you to fine-tune your device settings — ensuring that the stimulation levels match your comfort and activity needs. These adjustments can be made in-office or remotely, allowing for ongoing optimization without disruption to your daily life.

Patient Empowerment

One of the greatest benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation is patient control. Using a handheld remote, you can adjust your stimulation settings at any time — increasing or decreasing intensity based on your activity or comfort level.

The implant is small, discreet, and easy to manage. Most people don’t even notice it once they’ve healed, and it doesn’t interfere with movement, clothing, or normal activities. With time, using the device becomes second nature — simply part of living pain-free again.

Finding Freedom Beyond Pain

Chronic pain can steal your joy, mobility, and peace of mind — but it doesn’t have to define your life. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’ve seen firsthand how Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) can transform lives. For many of our patients, this innovative therapy has meant the difference between living in constant discomfort and rediscovering the simple pleasures of movement, sleep, and everyday activity.

With the right care and guidance, you can find the same relief. SCS isn’t about masking pain — it’s about restoring your ability to live fully, work confidently, and move freely again.

If you’re ready to explore whether Spinal Cord Stimulation is right for you, the compassionate team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine is here to guide you every step of the way. From your first consultation to the trial and beyond, we’ll ensure your experience is personalized, supportive, and centered around one goal — helping you reclaim your quality of life.

Our physicians specialize in non-surgical, minimally invasive pain solutions that get real results — and SCS is one of the most effective therapies available for patients living with chronic back, neck, or nerve pain.

Contact Us Today

📍 Kennesaw Clinic
2911 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 50
Kennesaw, GA 30144

📞 Call: (770) 545-6404
🌐 Visit: www.mediciortho.com

Additional Locations:

• Marietta Ambulatory Surgery Center – (470) 795-8398
• Snellville & Buckhead Clinics also available for patient convenience