Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapy used to treat pain by masking the pain signals before they reach the brain. The small surgically-implanted device is used to help those who suffer from chronic pain in the back, leg, neck or arm. Leading London neurosurgeon Mr Richard Gullan explains what spinal cord stimulation is and how the tool is inserted.
 

What is a spinal cord stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is surgically implanted under the skin in your spine near the vertebrae with wires leading to the epidural space. SCS is a type of therapy to help deliver mild electrical pulses to mask the pain before it has time to reach the brain. The wires of the SCS stimulate the spinal nerves which transmit the pain signals to block this pain signal from reaching the brain.
 

What is the purpose of a spinal cord stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulation does not erase the pain from your body, it just blocks the pain signals. Each person will have a completely different experience from this type of therapy because of the different levels of pain they are experiencing and also how the body reacts to such stimulation.

The goal is for the stimulator to reduce pain up to 70% but that can be more or less for each person. A patient may experience a tingling sensation due to the SCS working, which is not painful but some may find it unpleasant.

There are several different types of SCS and your consultant will help you choose the right one for you and the pain you are experiencing. All SCS have batteries that help create the electrical pulses, a hand-held remote that can turn on and off and a wire that delivers electrical currents.
 

How do I know if SCS is right for me?

Those who are suitable for SCS can vary but all candidates have one thing in common, which is chronic pain. Steps are taken for each person before they are offered an SCS. They will need to have a full medical history check, see if medication can help with pain or physiotherapy and even surgery. Candidates may benefit from SCS if:
 

• Conservative and surgical solution has failed
• Surgery may not be beneficial
• Chronic neck and/or back pain
• Chronic leg and/or arm pain
• Complex pain syndrome
• Arachnoiditis
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Multiple sclerosis
   

The true goal is for the patient to be able to live a better standard of life and perform daily activities without chronic pain. Medication may still need to be taken but will be reduced.
 

If you are experiencing chronic pain, do not hesitate to book an appointment with one of the London Neurosurgery Partnership's specialists.