Chronic pain can be a relentless and exhausting challenge. When traditional treatments fall short, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) could be your path to relief.
At ReGen Pain Management, Dr. Jonathan Koning specializes in treating a wide range of complex health issues, including back pain, joint pain, sciatica, and neuropathy. We use a variety of cutting-edge therapies to provide personalized care for each patient.
Before committing to a permanent implant, a trial period offers a chance to experience the benefits of SCS firsthand. It also allows you to assess if SCS effectively manages your specific pain condition.
How does an SCS trial work? Let’s learn more about the trial process, potential benefits, and factors to consider when deciding if SCS is right for you.
Unlike traditional pain management methods that often rely on medication, SCS offers a unique approach. By delivering mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, SCS disrupts pain signals before they reach the brain.
This innovative technique, called neuromodulation, effectively changes how your body perceives pain. Instead of experiencing discomfort, you may feel a tingling sensation that overshadows the pain.
SCS systems are made up of three essential components: a compact generator (battery), electrodes (wires), and a remote control.
The generator, implanted under the skin, powers the system while electrodes near the spine deliver mild electric currents. You can precisely adjust the electrical output using the remote control.
A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted device, with the battery surgically placed beneath the skin. Though the implantation procedure is minimally invasive, it’s still a serious commitment.
A trial period allows you to be completely confident that it will work wonders for your pain. Here’s what you can expect during the trial period.
The SCS trial is a crucial step in determining if this treatment is right for you. During this period, we place temporary electrodes near the nerves causing your pain.
You wear the battery externally, either on a belt or taped to your back. The placement process typically takes less than 30 minutes. We may use light sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
The trial period lasts approximately five to seven days. We monitor several factors to gauge your response:
A successful trial generally means at least a 50% reduction in pain, accompanied by noticeable improvements in your daily function. If this is the case, we can proceed with the implantation. However, if SCS doesn’t provide the desired relief, we can easily remove the temporary electrodes.
Ready to reclaim your life from chronic pain? An SCS trial is your first step toward discovering a potential breakthrough. Call or click to schedule an appointment at ReGen Pain Management in Plano, Texas, today.
