The Spinal Cord Stimulator is a device implanted under the skin which delivers a mild electrical pulse that interrupts pain signals to the brain and replaces them with a tingling sensation that covers the specific areas where you feel pain.
At Oklahoma Pain Center, we do not implant the permanent device inside you. Instead, we perform the trial procedure to determine if and how effectively this therapy will help you. Under a local anesthetic and minimal sedation your doctor will first place the trial SCS leads into the epidural space. The spinal stimulator 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.
These complications may result in uncomfortable spinal cord stimulation or loss of therapy and may require corrective surgery and reprogramming or surgical replacement of the lead.