SCS is a similar technology to a pacemaker with the end result being an electrode placed in the epidural space, which is connected to a generator placed under your skin (typically upper buttocks/hip/back). This technology is usually reserved for patients with refractory neuropathic extremity pain not responsive to other conservative treatments. There have been a recent advance in technology utilizing higher frequencies and doing “burst” stimulation. With the older/classic/tonic waveforms people would feel a “tingling” sensation in the area of their pain.

For failed back surgery patients experiencing low back and leg pain, you may experience relief from leg pain, but sometimes not from back pain. One benefit of the SCS device is that you also no longer need to turn it off while driving, as is the case with other options.

SCS is most commonly done for low back and leg pain, but also for CRPS/RSD (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), phantom pain and sometimes other neuropathic pain problems.