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Spinal Cord Stimulation, or SCS, is an advanced therapy designed to help people living with chronic pain find lasting relief — without relying on medications or major surgery. The concept is simple but powerful: instead of trying to numb or suppress pain, SCS works by changing how your body feels it.
SCS uses mild electrical impulses to gently interrupt the pain signals traveling from the nerves in your spine to your brain. By “retraining” these signals, the therapy helps the brain perceive less pain — or, in many cases, no pain at all. The goal isn’t to block all sensation, but to replace constant discomfort with something far more manageable and natural.
The SCS system itself is small, discreet, and highly effective. It consists of:
These impulses help “reset” pain pathways, giving the nervous system a new way to process sensation. Instead of pain dominating your day, many patients describe the feeling as a gentle tingling or soothing vibration — or sometimes, no noticeable sensation at all.
This isn’t new or experimental — spinal cord stimulation has been used safely and successfully for decades, and recent technological advancements have made it more precise, customizable, and comfortable than ever before. Today’s SCS devices can be fine-tuned to match each patient’s unique pain pattern, allowing for truly personalized relief.
For many people, spinal cord stimulation represents more than a treatment — it’s a turning point. After years of pain and frustration, SCS offers the chance to reclaim control, mobility, and quality of life.
Sometimes, even after spine surgery, pain can persist or return over time. SCS can significantly reduce discomfort by addressing the nerve activity that continues to cause pain long after surgical healing is complete.
When nerves in the lower spine become compressed or inflamed, they can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the legs. SCS helps “quiet” these overactive pain signals, reducing both leg and lower back pain.
CRPS is a severe nerve-related condition that can cause burning, throbbing, or hypersensitive pain, often in the arms or legs. Spinal cord stimulation is one of the most effective treatments for managing CRPS and helping patients regain mobility and comfort.
Diabetes and other systemic conditions can damage nerves over time, leading to burning, numbness, or sharp pain in the hands and feet. SCS therapy can help regulate these abnormal nerve signals, reducing pain and improving sensation.
After spinal surgery, some patients experience new or lingering pain due to scar tissue, nerve irritation, or residual compression. SCS offers a safe, minimally invasive way to manage post-surgical discomfort and restore function.
Even after other types of surgery — such as joint replacements or abdominal procedures — nerve pain can persist. SCS has been shown to help patients whose pain continues long after their surgical wounds have healed.
Before any permanent device is placed, you’ll start with a temporary trial to see how well spinal cord stimulation relieves your pain.
During this simple procedure, thin, flexible leads are carefully placed near your spinal cord — the area responsible for transmitting pain signals. These leads are connected to an external stimulator, which you’ll wear discreetly outside your body for several days.
For about 5 to 7 days, you’ll “test-drive” the therapy as you go about your daily life, adjusting the stimulation level to find what feels best. Most patients begin to notice significant relief almost immediately — often describing reduced pain intensity and improved mobility.
If your trial provides 50% or greater pain reduction (which it does for many patients), you and your physician may decide to move forward with a permanent implant.
Once the trial proves successful, the next step is the permanent SCS implantation. This procedure is done in our outpatient surgical center and typically takes less than two hours.
You’ll be under local anesthesia with mild sedation, so you’re comfortable but awake enough to provide feedback if needed. Your Medici physician will:
This device connects to the leads and delivers gentle electrical impulses to calm nerve activity and relieve pain.
Once placed, the stimulator is programmed and customized to match your unique pain patterns. Most patients go home the same day and return to light activities within just a few days.
After your SCS system is implanted, the Medici team works closely with you to fine-tune your therapy. Using a handheld remote, you can adjust your stimulation levels in real time to manage pain as needed — giving you direct control over your comfort.
Our specialists continue to support you through regular follow-up appointments, ensuring your settings are optimized and your recovery stays on track. As your body heals and adapts, we can reprogram the device at any time to maintain maximum relief and function.
Most patients experience a 50–80% reduction in chronic pain, often within days of activation. For many, this means going from severe daily discomfort to manageable, predictable relief — without needing heavy medications or repeat injections.
When pain decreases, movement naturally returns. Patients frequently report that they can walk, exercise, or perform daily activities that once felt impossible. Some are able to go back to work, play with their children, or simply enjoy a full night’s rest again.
SCS provides a drug-free alternative to managing chronic pain. By calming the nervous system directly, it reduces or even eliminates the need for long-term opioid use. This not only minimizes side effects but also helps patients feel more alert, focused, and in control.
One of the most reassuring aspects of SCS is its flexibility and safety. The system can be:
There’s no permanent anatomical change, making it a safe, adaptable solution for many different pain conditions.
Every Medici patient receives a customized SCS program designed around their unique pain pattern. Using advanced programming tools, we tailor the stimulation levels to match where and how you experience pain — ensuring the most natural, effective relief possible.
You don’t have to live with chronic pain or rely on heavy medications to get through each day. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) could be the next step toward lasting relief — and it all starts with a simple consultation.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we know that every patient’s pain story is unique. That’s why our approach begins with truly listening — understanding not just where it hurts, but how your pain affects your life. From there, our team will carefully evaluate your symptoms, review your treatment history, and determine whether SCS is the right fit for your needs.
If you’re a good candidate, we’ll walk you through each stage of the process — from your initial SCS trial to permanent implantation and follow-up care. You’ll have a team by your side at every step, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident in your path to recovery.
At Medici, our goal is simple: to help you move beyond pain and back into a life of comfort, activity, and peace of mind — all through the safest, least invasive, and most effective treatments available today.
Kennesaw Clinic
2911 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 50
Kennesaw, GA 30144
📞 (770) 545-6404
Marietta Ambulatory Surgery Center
792 Church Street, Unit 101
Marietta, GA 30060
📞 (470) 795-8398
Snellville Clinic
2220 Wisteria Drive, Unit 101
Snellville, GA 30078
📞 (470) 645-9297
Buckhead PM&R (Atlanta)
3200 Downwood Circle, NW, Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30327
📞 (770) 872-7549
🌐 Visit: www.mediciortho.com
📞 Main Contact: +1-844-328-4624
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.
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