r


The syndromes most commonly treated with SCS include:

•  Nerve Root Compression
•  Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
•  Spinal Stenosis
•  Degenerative Disk Disease
•  Sciatica or Lumbar Radiculitis
•  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
•  Peripheral Neuropathy
•  Central Sensitization


Procedure

Spinal Cord Stimulation uses groundbreaking technology that works by introducing an electrical current into the epidural
space near the source of chronic pain impulses.  Under a local anesthetic and minimal sedation your doctor will first place
the trial SCS leads into the epidural space.  The SCS lead is a soft, thin wire with electrical leads on its tip and is placed
through a needle in the back into the epidural space.  The trial stimulator is typically worn for 5-7days as the lead is taped
to your back and connected to a stimulating device.  If the trial successfully relieves your pain you can undergo a
permanent SCS if desired.


























Benefits

The implanted device near the area of pain produces a low voltage current, which creates a sensation that blocks the
brain’s ability to sense the previously perceived pain. It interferes with the perception of pain received by the brain by
creating a pleasant sensation that replaces the pain.  The intensity of the stimulator can be changed, and the system can
be turned on and off as necessary to provide optimal pain relief as experienced by the patient.

Spinal cord stimulation improves lumbar back pain in patients with many different conditions, and has proven to be
extremely effective in patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.  It is shown to reduce the level of pain as well as the
amount of pain medication taken by patients (De Andres 2007).

Risks

As expected with any minor surgical procedure, there is always a chance of side effects.  In this particular procedure the
risks are low, however it is important to know them.  While the incision is healing it is important to keep it dry and clean so
an infection does not occur.  If there is any drainage or redness at the site then you may have developed an infection and
should be seen by your doctor.

Other rare side effects may include bleeding, scar tissue deposition, electrode failure, inadequate pain surface area
coverage and nerve problems.



Outcome

The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians developed a large evidence-based practice guideline for the
management of chronic spinal pain with interventional techniques.  The evidence for spinal cord stimulation in failed back
surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome is strong for short-term relief and moderate for long-term relief
(Boswell 2007).  A recent study concluded that approximately 50 to 60% of patients with failed back surgery syndrome
reported greater than 50% pain relief with the use of spinal cord stimulation at follow-up (Tuner 1995).  

Another study examined people suffering from spinal stenosis who received spinal cord stimulation.  The research showed
a 67% improvement rate, based on verbal pain scores, narcotic (pain medication) intake, and function (Chandler 2003).  
This can be a very helpful treatment modality for many chronic back pain sufferers.

Spinal cord stimulation has shown to be very effective in reducing chronic pain from certain conditions, however this
technique does not work for everyone.  One benefit to SCS is a trial is offered with a temporary device.  Only if you
receive significant relief will you go on to have a permanent SCS system.  For those that it does help, SCS is an
innovative treatment that can bring significant relief and improve quality of life.  Feel free to call Arizona Pain Specialists
now to see if this state-of-the-art treatment is right for you.



Journal Articles

Interventional techniques: evidence-based practice guidelines in the management of chronic spinal pain. Boswell MV,
Trescot AM, Datta S, Schultz DM, Hansen HC, Abdi S, Sehgal N, Shah RV, Singh V, Benyamin RM, Patel VB,
Buenaventura RM, Colson JD, Cordner HJ, Epter RS, Jasper JF, Dunbar EE, Atluri SL, Bowman RC, Deer TR, Swicegood
JR, Staats PS, Smith HS, Burton AW, Kloth DS, Giordano J, Manchikanti L; American Society of Interventional Pain
Physicians. Pain Physician. 2007 Jan;10(1):7-111 PMID: 17256025

Dorsal column stimulation for lumbar spinal stenosis. Chandler GS 3rd, Nixon B, Stewart LT, Love J. Pain Physician. 2003
Jan;6(1):113-8 PMID: 16878166

Spinal cord stimulation for chronic low back pain: a systematic literature synthesis. Turner JA, Loeser JD, Bell KG.
Neurosurgery. 1995 Dec;37(6):1088-95; discussion 1095-6. PMID: 8584149

Patient satisfaction with spinal cord stimulation for failed back surgery syndrome De Andrés J, Quiroz C, Villanueva V,
Valía JC, López Alarcón D, Moliner S, Monsalve V. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 2007 Jan;54(1):17-22 PMID: 17319430
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Pain medicine, pain management, fibromyalgia, Arizona pain, back pain, pain treatment, discography, back pain, neck pain, migraine., headaches, sciatica, muscle pain, Arizona pain center, acupuncture, arthritis, Arizona, Scottsdale, phoenix
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Pain medicine, pain management, fibromyalgia, Arizona pain, back pain, pain treatment, discography, back pain, neck pain, migraine., headaches, sciatica, muscle pain, Arizona pain center, acupuncture, arthritis, Arizona, Scottsdale, phoenix
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
by Nicole Berardoni M.D, Tory McJunkin M.D, and Paul Lynch M.D

Spinal Cord Stimulation therapy is an exciting procedure that is
becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of many causes
of chronic back pain. This revolutionary treatment works by
blocking pain perception from traveling up through the spinal cord
to the brain.  It involves a small device that is placed near the
spinal cord in the epidural space.  The SCS device delivers
low-level electrical impulses that interfere with the perception of
pain, especially chronic nerve pain.
Book I  -  Pain Syndromes

Chapter 1     Low Back Pain
Chapter 2     Neck Pain
Chapter 3     Cancer Pain
Chapter 4     Headaches
Chapter 5     Spinal Stenosis
Chapter 6     Sciatica
Chapter 7     Arthritis
Chapter 8     Fibromyalgia
Chapter 9     Motor Vehicle Injuries
Chapter 10   Complex Regional Pain
Syndrome
Chapter 11   Vertebral Body
Fractures
Chapter 12   Hip and Leg Pain
Chapter 13   Diabetic Peripheral
Neuropathy

Book II  -  Interventional Procedures

Chapter 14   Epidural Steroid
Injection
Chapter 15   Facet Injections/Medial
Branch Blocks
Chapter 16   Radiofrequency Ablation
Chapter 17   Spinal Cord Stimulator
Implants
Chapter 18   IntraDiscal
Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
Chapter 19   
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty   
Chapter 20   Discography
Chapter 21   Percutaneous
Discectomy
Chapter 22   Occipital Nerve Block
Chapter 23   Sympathetic Block
Chapter 24   Stellate Ganglion Block
Chapter 25   Intrathecal Pump
Implants
Chapter 26   Caudal Steroid Injection
Chapter 27   Adhesiolysis
Chapter 28   Cervical Steroid
Injection
Chapter 29   Sacroiliac Joint
Injections
Chapter 30   Celiac Plexus Block
Chapter 31   Head and Neck
Procedures
Chapter 32   Joint Injections
Chapter 33   Continuous Catheter
Nerve Blocks
Chapter 34   Peripheral Nerve
Stimulation/Field Stimulation
Chapter 35   Disc Denervation

Book III   Other Treatments

Chapter 36   Medication Management
Chapter 37   Acupuncture
Chapter 38   Prolotherapy
Chapter 39   Botox
Chapter 40   Massage
Chapter 41   Alternative and
Complementary Medicines
Chapter 42   Exercise and Nutrition
Counseling
Chapter 43   Prayer
Chapter 44   Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy
Chapter 45   Group Therapy
Chapter 46   Biofeedback
Chapter 47   Chiropractic
Manipulations
Chapter 48   Vitamin Supplements
Chapter 49   Customized
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Chapter 50   Hormone Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions