PAIN MANAGEMENT
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
SCS is an advanced pain-management therapy that uses gentle electrical signals to change how pain messages reach the brain.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment that helps manage chronic pain by changing how pain signals travel to the brain. Thin wires are placed near the spine and connected to a small device that sends gentle electrical pulses.
These signals reduce the feeling of pain before it reaches the brain. While SCS does not cure the cause of pain, it can significantly lower pain levels, improve daily function, and support a better quality of life.
The therapy is adjustable, reversible, and FDA-approved, making it a safe, proven option for long-term pain relief.
Symptoms Treated
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Persistent pain following one or more spine surgeries, often characterized by chronic back and/or leg pain.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
A chronic pain condition affecting a limb following injury or surgery, causing disproportionate pain and sensitivity.
Neuropathic Pain
Pain resulting from nerve damage or dysfunction, often described as burning, shooting, or electric-like sensations.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Persistent pain following one or more spine surgeries, often characterized by chronic back and/or leg pain.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
A chronic pain condition affecting a limb following injury or surgery, causing disproportionate pain and sensitivity.
Neuropathic Pain
Pain resulting from nerve damage or dysfunction, often described as burning, shooting, or electric-like sensations.
Are You a Candidate for SCS?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for this treatment.
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How long have you had moderate to severe back pain?
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Procedure Details
During your consultation, our specialists will:
Trial Phase
Permanent Implantation
Programming and Optimization
We'll answer all your questions and ensure you fully understand your options, even if that means we think you are better suited by procedures we don't offer.
Benefits and Risks
Typical Benefits
- •Long-term pain relief without relying on opioid medications
- •Stimulation settings can be adjusted for comfort
- •The device can be removed if needed
- •A significant reduction in chronic pain
- •Better pain control can improve sleep, mobility, and daily function
- •Temporary trials allow you to test relief before a permanent implant
Potential Risks
- •Infection at the incision site
- •Bleeding or spinal fluid leak
- •Lead movement requiring repositioning
- •Hardware problems (battery failure or connection issues)
- •Rare nerve irritation
- •Individual health factors that may affect suitability for SCS
Recovery and Outlook
- Go home the same day and gradually return to normal activities
- Early recovery includes avoiding certain movements while the incision heals
- Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days
- Gradual return to work, exercise, and normal routines occurs over several weeks
- You will receive instructions for incision care and stimulator use
- Follow-up visits allow your specialist to adjust settings and monitor progress
- Long-term care focuses on sustained pain relief and improved daily function
Answers to Your
Common Questions
Your physician: Zagum Bhatti, M.D.
Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist · Former Assistant Professor of VIR, UTHealth Houston
Dr. Bhatti has published peer-reviewed research on vascular interventions.
Meet Dr. Bhatti →