Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation
At Dr. Deborah Blades Neurosurgery, serving patients across Northeast Ohio, we provide advanced treatment options for patients with chronic pain that has not improved with medications, injections, or prior surgeries. One highly effective therapy is Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Implantation, which uses gentle electrical impulses to block pain signals before they reach the brain.
Spinal Cord Stimulation is most often recommended for patients with chronic back pain, failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or nerve-related leg pain (radiculopathy). By masking pain signals with mild electrical pulses, many patients experience significant relief, allowing them to reduce pain medications and return to daily activities.
“Spinal cord stimulation offers hope for patients who have tried everything else—giving them control over their pain and their lives again.” – Dr. Deborah Blades
The procedure typically begins with a trial phase, where temporary leads are placed along the spinal cord and connected to an external stimulator. If the trial provides meaningful pain relief, a permanent system is implanted. This includes leads positioned near the spinal cord and a small generator (battery) placed under the skin, usually in the lower back or buttock. The system is programmable, allowing patients to adjust settings with a handheld remote.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Significant reduction in chronic back and leg pain
- Non-destructive therapy – no nerves or tissues are permanently removed
- Customizable pain control using a handheld device
- Potential to reduce or eliminate reliance on pain medications
- Trial period ensures effectiveness before permanent implant
Recovery: The implantation is typically done as an outpatient or short-stay procedure. Patients are encouraged to walk soon after surgery, with most resuming light activities within days. Full recovery takes several weeks as incisions heal and the stimulator settings are fine-tuned. Dr. Blades and her team work closely with each patient to optimize programming for maximum pain relief.
If you are struggling with chronic pain that has not responded to traditional treatments, Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation may provide a path forward. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Deborah Blades in Northeast Ohio to see if this advanced therapy is right for you.
