Spinal Cord Stimulators

Hope for patients who suffer with chronic back and leg pain comes in the form of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). SCS is a proven medical therapy that uses a small implanted device to stimulate pain-causing nerves and provide a gentle massaging sensation that can reduce the patient’s pain.

SCS is an effective, FDA-approved treatment for those with certain types of chronic pain in their arms, back or legs. Worldwide, over 50,000 neurostimulators are implanted in such patients each year. Four out of five of these recipients report improvements in their quality of life along with reduced pain levels and reduced reliance on prescription medications.

Yet, patients need to understand that SCS is not a cure for their pain. But it can reduce pain to manageable levels and allow patients greater function. Another significant advantage to SCS is that the patient will try the therapy first before having a permanent system placed, so the patient and physician know whether it works. If the trial is successful, a permanent system will be placed. The system can be turned off or removed if the patient’s desired level of pain relief is not achieved.

Trial or permanent SCS?

The stimulator trial procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using light sedation and local anesthetic. One or more leads are placed in the epidural space. The exact placement depends on the location of the patient’s pain. The leads are then connected to a portable external generator. The system will generate mild electrical pulses that will replace intense pain with a more pleasant sensation called paresthesia.

We will determine the length of the trial period. A longer trial allows the patient to test their response to stimulation throughout the day. A shorter trial is often indicated when the pain response is immediate and pain relief is dramatic. The typical trial lasts two to three days.
If the trial is successful, a permanent SCS system will be implanted inside the patient. Our physicians use only state-of-the-art SCS systems with tiny implantable generators. These generators are rechargeable through the skin.

Dr. R. Alan Moore, Jr., is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain specialist who uses SCS and many other procedures to treat pain patients. Perhaps he can help your patients, too. He welcomes and encourages your SCS referrals.

To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 713-664-2662 or use our online Request an Appointment form. For additional information on any condition, treatment or procedure, please visit our Health Education Library.