Can a Back Brace Heal My Pain or Only Help Manage It?
Doctors often recommend back braces, and they may seem like a quick fix for your pain. But can a back brace actually heal what’s ailing your spine? Find out here.
How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Work?
Living with chronic pain feels like a never-ending battle for 25% of Americans, and trying yet another treatment that fails to provide relief only adds to the frustration. A spinal cord stimulation trial gives you a chance to try before you buy.
Since its founding more than a decade ago, our core mission at Pain Care has been to provide comprehensive, highly effective relief from chronic pain conditions. Our team is proud to serve our Georgia communities with the most advanced therapies available, including spinal cord stimulation.
But what exactly is a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial? We’ll break it down into practical steps, starting with what it is and how the trial works.
Spinal cord stimulator basics
A spinal cord stimulator is a device that sends mild electrical signals to your spinal cord. These signals help block pain messages from reaching your brain.
The SCS system includes a programmable pulse generator that’s about the size of a pacemaker. Thin wires (leads) placed in the epidural space that surrounds your spinal cord carry electrical impulses from the generator to the targeted area.
Should you elect to proceed from the trial version, the pulse generator is implanted just under the skin, usually in the lower back, via an outpatient procedure. However, before making that decision, you can "test drive" the technology with a temporary version during a trial period.
The purpose of the trial
The trial typically lasts five to seven days and helps determine whether spinal cord stimulation can relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
If you experience meaningful pain relief and improved function, you may be a good candidate for the permanent implant.
How the SCS trial works
Your Pain Care provider discusses the details before scheduling the SCS trial, which can vary slightly depending on the stimulator model being used.
Generally, however, here's what you can expect:
Preparation
You'll lie on your stomach while the area around your spine is numbed with a local anesthetic. You’re awake but comfortable, and sedation may be offered to help you relax.
Lead placement
Using a special X-ray machine (fluoroscopy), your doctor carefully inserts one or two thin wires (called leads) into the epidural space near your spinal cord. These leads deliver electrical pulses from the stimulator.
Temporary connection
Instead of a fully implanted device, the leads are connected to an external stimulator that you wear on your belt or place in a pocket. Some models can be taped to the skin.
Regardless of which model your provider chooses to fit your needs, the device is discreet and easy to manage.
Programming and testing
Your pain management specialist works with you to program the device and adjust the settings to target your specific areas of pain. You’ll also be asked to keep track of your pain levels and activity during the trial.
The trial period
SCS trials typically last approximately one week. As you go about your normal daily activities (with some minor restrictions), you’ll monitor your pain relief, sleep quality, and ability to move or perform tasks.
If the stimulator significantly reduces your pain, it’s considered a success.
Follow-up
At the end of the trial, your provider removes the temporary leads during an office visit. If the results are positive, we may recommend proceeding with a permanent implant.
Ready to take the next step?
A spinal cord stimulator trial gives you a safe, reversible way to see if this technology can help you reclaim your life from chronic pain. It’s not a magic cure, but for many, it’s a powerful tool for getting back to the activities they love with less pain holding them back.
Schedule a visit at Pain Care today by calling one of our six conveniently located offices.
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