If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain and haven’t found relief from conventional treatments, a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) may be an excellent option.
This small medical device, implanted just under your skin, delivers drug-free, long-term relief from chronic pain. Even better, spinal cord stimulation therapy includes a pre-implant trial to determine whether it’s the right fit for your pain and lifestyle.
John S. Michels, MD, is an award-winning pain management specialist in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. As a former NFL Super Bowl champion, Dr. Michels also has significant personal experience with chronic pain.
This unique perspective helps fuel his commitment to restoring mobility and improving quality of life with minimally invasive therapies that tackle pain at its source.
Read more from Dr. Michels and his team regarding spinal cord stimulation and the benefits of a pre-implant trial.
Spinal cord stimulation — a form of neuromodulation — is a pain management therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Dr. Michels implants small wires (leads) next to targeted nerves. The leads are attached to a small device known as a pulse generator which delivers electrical signals to the targeted nerves. The electric signal disrupts pain messages traveling along the nerve, essentially creating static that interferes with its ability to communicate with the brain.
SCS may be helpful for treatment-resistant back pain, diabetic neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome, and other chronic pain conditions that haven’t responded to conservative treatments.
Before committing to the implant, you undergo a trial period that typically lasts 5-7 days. This allows you and Dr. Michels to determine whether spinal cord stimulation effectively reduces pain and dramatically improves your quality of life.
It's like a test drive to see how well the therapy works before you make a long-term commitment.
Before scheduling the procedure, Dr. Michels discusses the details of the spinal cord stimulation trial and his expectations for implant results. Every patient must then undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate.
Once a patient is determined to be a good candidate, here’s what to expect during a spinal cord stimulation trial:
Using advanced imaging (fluoroscopy) to ensure accurate placement, Dr. Michels places one or more leads near your spinal cord. During the trial period, these tiny wires are connected to an external pulse generator typically attached to your lower back with tape or bandages.
Once the leads are in place, a representative from the SCS company programs the device to deliver low-level electrical impulses to the targeted nerve(s). They adjust the settings until the device reaches the most effective level of stimulation and coverage of the patient’s pain areas.
Some people report a slight tingling sensation when the pulses fire, but for most patients, they experience pain relief without any additional sensations from the device.
The trial period usually lasts 5-7 days. Dr. Michels may ask you to keep a detailed diary during the trial, noting any changes in your pain levels, activities, and overall comfort. This helps determine the effectiveness of the therapy.
After the trial period, you return to our office and discuss the experience with Dr. Michels. If the trial was successful — meaning you experienced at least a 50% reduction in pain and felt an improvement in your daily activities — you may choose to move forward with the implant procedure.
The implant process involves a similar but slightly more invasive procedure to permanently place the leads and pulse generator under your skin. Although Dr. Michels can remove it anytime with minor surgery, the implant is intended to be a permanent solution for your pain.
For more information about spinal cord stimulation or other pain management treatments, schedule a visit with Dr. Michels today.
