If you've been living with chronic back or nerve pain that just won’t quit—despite medications, injections, or even surgery—spinal cord stimulation could be the life-changing solution you’ve been waiting for.
For many patients, chronic pain becomes a frustrating cycle of temporary relief and recurring discomfort. Traditional treatments like physical therapy, prescription medications, or even surgical interventions may help for a time—but when those options fail, it can feel like there's nowhere else to turn. That’s where spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is changing the game.
Spinal cord stimulation is emerging as one of the most promising, minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain, particularly for conditions involving nerve damage or persistent inflammation. By targeting the nervous system directly, SCS offers patients an opportunity to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain—offering long-term relief without heavy medication or repeat procedures.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a breakthrough treatment that targets the root of chronic pain—not just the symptoms. In simple terms, it’s a therapy that uses mild electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain, helping you feel less pain without heavy medications or invasive surgery.
Here’s how it works:
A small device—similar in size to a pacemaker—is implanted near the spine. This device sends gentle electrical impulses through thin wires (called electrodes) that are placed near the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals before they can reach the brain, effectively "masking" the pain or replacing it with a mild tingling sensation known as paresthesia.
The SCS system typically includes three components:
One of the most appealing aspects of spinal cord stimulation is that it's reversible and highly customizable. Patients undergo a trial period first, where a temporary device is placed to see how well it works for their specific pain pattern. If it provides relief, the permanent device can be implanted in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
If you’ve ever dealt with nerve-related pain, you know how relentless and overwhelming it can be. Conditions like neuropathy, sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and post-surgical nerve pain all share a common trait: they stem from damaged or irritated nerves that send abnormal pain signals to the brain—even when no injury is present.
So, how does spinal cord stimulation help with nerve pain?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) works by disrupting those faulty pain signals before they reach the brain. The device emits gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which alters how the nervous system interprets pain. Instead of sharp, shooting, or burning sensations, patients may feel a mild tingling—or, in newer stimulation systems, no sensation at all—just relief.
Unlike medications or injections that wear off over time or affect the entire body, SCS targets the source directly—without the side effects of opioids or the need for frequent procedures.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is not just for anyone with back pain—it’s specifically designed for individuals who are dealing with persistent, often nerve-related pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments. If you’ve exhausted the usual options and still find yourself in pain, SCS may be the next logical step in your journey to relief.
One of the most reassuring aspects of spinal cord stimulation is the trial phase, which allows you to test the therapy before committing to a permanent implant. During this phase, a temporary device is placed under the skin and connected to leads near the spinal cord. You’ll use it for about a week to determine how much pain relief it provides during your normal activities.
If you experience significant improvement, the next step is to implant the permanent device—using a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
At Medici, we guide you through the entire process, step-by-step:
Our team takes the time to understand your story and design the least invasive, most effective solution to help you move forward—because lasting relief starts with the right fit.
Is it painful to have implanted?
The implantation procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Most patients report only mild discomfort during the recovery process—comparable to a routine outpatient procedure. The trial phase, which is even less invasive, allows you to test the device without a permanent implant.
That depends on the type of device. Traditional SCS systems create a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation (called paresthesia) that replaces your pain. However, newer devices offer “paresthesia-free” stimulation, which means you feel no sensation at all—just relief. Your Medici care team will help adjust the settings to match your comfort and goals.
Yes! Once healed, most patients resume everyday activities without issue. The device is discreet, fully implanted under the skin, and controlled with a small remote. You can walk, drive, work, and even travel with your spinal cord stimulator. Some patients are advised to avoid high-impact sports or heavy lifting, but overall, quality of life often improves significantly.
In many cases, yes. Most major insurance providers, including Medicare, recognize spinal cord stimulation as a medically necessary procedure when conservative treatments have failed. Our team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine will work with you to verify your coverage and handle the insurance process on your behalf.
Recovery from the trial phase is quick—usually just a day or two of rest. If you move forward with the permanent implant, most patients return to light activities within a few days and full recovery within 2–4 weeks. You'll receive specific guidelines and follow-up care to ensure a smooth transition back to normal life.
If you’ve been living with chronic back or nerve pain and feel like you’ve tried everything—spinal cord stimulation may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. With its ability to directly interrupt pain signals and reduce reliance on medications, SCS is transforming lives for patients who once believed long-term relief was out of reach.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we understand that no two pain journeys are the same. That’s why we offer personalized, minimally invasive treatment plans that put your comfort, function, and quality of life first. From initial evaluation through trial stimulation and long-term care, our team is here to guide you every step of the way—with experience, compassion, and cutting-edge technology.
📞 Still wondering if spinal cord stimulation could work for you?
Call Medici Orthopaedics & Spine at +1-844-328-4624 or visit medicimedicalarts.com to schedule a consultation.
With clinics in Kennesaw, Snellville, and Buckhead, and advanced surgical centers in Marietta and Snellville, we’re helping Georgia patients rediscover life beyond pain—one step, one solution, one success story at a time.
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