what is scs?
How It Works
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a promising approach to managing chronic pain for individuals whose lives are disrupted by persistent discomfort. This advanced technique uses a small device to deliver gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.
Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation
Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation
We often get asked, what is a spinal cord stimulator? How can it ease my chronic pain? On this page we will take you through the science by SCS, how the procedure works, and many other frequently asked questions. Use the navigation buttons below to explore each aspect.
17x
more likely to experience pain relief
86%
treatment success after SCS therapy
5yrs
of meaningful pain relief
SCS Treatment Overview
Treatment Overview
We use neurostimulation devices from Medtronic for our Spinal Cord Stimulation services. Check out this educational video to learn more about treatment:
What Is SCS?
A Comprehensive Overview
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a promising approach to managing chronic pain for individuals whose lives are disrupted by persistent discomfort. This advanced technique uses a small device to deliver gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain.
SCS begins with a trial phase, allowing patients to experience its potential benefits before committing to a permanent implant. If the trial is successful, a minimally invasive procedure is performed to implant the device, which is then tailored to the individual’s unique needs as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
With ongoing advancements in technology and research, SCS continues to evolve, improving precision and outcomes for patients. It stands as a testament to modern medicine's ability to bring relief and help restore quality of life.
Our team at The SCS Institute is proud to provide expert care and support for patients seeking to alleviate their chronic pain with spinal cord stimulation. We ensure our patients receive clear, detailed information about spinal cord stimulation, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.
How Do Spinal Cord Stimulators Work?
So, how does spinal cord stimulator work?
Spinal cord stimulation works by disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain, helping to alleviate chronic discomfort. The spinal cord stimulator controller system uses a small device to send mild electrical pulses to specific nerves within the spinal cord. These pulses alter the way pain signals are perceived, often replacing the sensation of pain with a more manageable tingling feeling.
Learn more about the science behind spinal cord stimulation from our team at The SCS Institute team today.
What Is the SCS Trial Process?
The spinal cord stimulation trial process allows patients to explore whether this therapy effectively relieves their chronic pain before committing to a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant. During the trial, a temporary device delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord, enabling patients to evaluate its impact on their symptoms in real time.
Find out more about the spinal cord stimulation trial process from The SCS Institute today.
What Is the SCS Procedure Like?
The spinal cord stimulation implant procedure involves placing a small device under the skin to deliver targeted electrical pulses to the spinal cord. During the procedure, the spinal cord stimulator leads are carefully positioned near the spinal cord while the stimulator is implanted, usually in the lower back area.
Explore more about this minimally invasive surgery at The SCS Institute today.
Understanding SCS Treatment Plans?
Treatment plans for spinal cord stimulation are essential in ensuring the therapy is customized to meet each patient's unique needs. These plans help optimize outcomes by tailoring device settings and providing structured follow-up care to monitor progress during spinal cord stimulator recovery time and make adjustments as needed.
Read how our team at The SCS Institute creates personalized treatment plans for our patients today.
What Are the Types of SCS Devices?
Medtronic© spinal cord stimulation devices are designed with advanced technology to provide customizable pain relief tailored to each patient's needs. These devices offer innovative features like adaptive stimulation, which adjusts automatically to body movements, ensuring consistent comfort throughout the day.
Check out the different spinal cord stimulation devices available at The SCS Institute today.
What If I Have More Questions About SCS?
Our spinal cord stimulator doctors at The SCS Institute are also dedicated to providing additional resources for patients interested in learning more about this therapy, including answers to the most frequently asked questions about spinal cord stimulation that our team receives.
If you are interested in exploring spinal cord stimulation as a potential treatment option for your chronic pain, there's no need to type "spinal cord stimulation near me" into a search bar. You can expect expert care at The SCS Institute.
Contact us today by calling our Altoona, PA office at (814) 414-4434 or scheduling a consultation to take the first step towards enhanced health and well-being.
Table of Contents
Select a tab below to quickly navigate to section in the content.
SCS Digital Guide
A comprehensive guide to the TMS treatment and what you can expect before, during and after treatment.
Treatment Resources
Learn more about SCS treatment plans, studies, and more!
How Treatment Works
The SCS Trial
The Implant Procedure
Candidate for Treatment
The Science for SCS
Get to Know us
A comprehensive guide to the TMS treatment and what you can expect before, during and after treat.
Contact Us
Everyone has different healthcare needs and we strive to listen and inform so that are patients are empowered to make the best decision for their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few frequent questions that we get about SCS therapy. If you don't see your question here then you can ask us directly using the link here.
Yes. Most insurance companies cover this treatment for post-laminectomy syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, diabetic painful neuropathy.
Yes. The goal for the stimulator trial is to assess pain relief and improvement to functionality. We are looking for 50% or greater improvement. If the trial was successful, then the permanent implant should be successful as well.
Yes these devices are now MRI compatible. We make sure that we choose the correct device for specific medical conditions that may need further imaging.
Devices with rechargeable batteries that are at the end of their service life will send an alert that a replacement is needed. The device will still work during this time, but it is time to contact your doctor get a replacement.
Yes, the stimulator can controlled by the patient using a programmer that acts as a remote control.
Yes, you can travel and move to another part of the country. We utilize international companies and have customer service reps throughout the country.
The devices have rechargeable battery as well as non rechargeable options.
The rechargeable battery has an external charger that the patient wears around their waist. And to charge the device.
Once a patient has been identified for an SCS trial, then next step is to obtain authorization from the insurance company. This authorization process may require a psychiatric evaluation, which we can facilitate.
Contact Us
Your quality of life is greatly effected if you’re suffering from agonizing back pain, neck pain, throbbing headaches or facial pain. Fortunately you don’t have to live in chronic daily pain. We can help.