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When chronic pain doesn’t respond to traditional treatments, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers new hope. At Anchor Spine & Joint, our expert team provides this advanced therapy to help patients manage persistent back, leg, or nerve pain. By using gentle electrical impulses to block pain signals before they reach your brain, spinal cord stimulators can deliver lasting relief and improve quality of life. With multiple offices in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, and Lutz, Florida, specialized care is close to home. Call or schedule a consultation online today to explore whether spinal cord stimulation is right for you.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Q & A
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment that uses a small implanted device to deliver mild electrical signals to your spinal cord. These signals modify or block pain messages traveling to the brain, reducing your perception of pain without relying on high doses of medication. In addition to easing discomfort, SCS can help improve daily function, sleep quality, and overall quality of life for people living with persistent pain.
What conditions does spinal cord stimulation treat?
SCS is often recommended for patients who have not found sufficient relief from conservative therapies, injections, or even surgery. Common conditions include:
- Chronic back or leg pain
- Post-surgical pain (failed back surgery syndrome)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Sciatica or nerve-related pain
Your Anchor Spine & Joint provider will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if spinal cord stimulation may be effective for your condition.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Spinal cord stimulation involves two steps:
- Trial period – A temporary stimulator is placed through a minimally invasive procedure. You’ll wear it for several days to see how well it reduces your pain.
- Permanent implantation – If you experience significant relief, your provider will implant a small device under your skin, usually in the lower back or buttock, with thin wires placed near your spinal cord.
The system includes a handheld controller so you can adjust stimulation levels to match your comfort and activity.
How effective is spinal cord stimulation?
Many patients experience a 50% or greater reduction in pain, along with improved mobility and reduced dependence on medications. Since the therapy is adjustable and reversible, it offers flexibility and long-term safety.
Is spinal cord stimulation safe?
Yes. SCS has been FDA-approved for decades and is considered a safe, effective therapy when performed by trained specialists. Risks are low, and most patients recover quickly after implantation.
If chronic pain is interfering with your life and other treatments haven’t worked, spinal cord stimulation may provide the relief you’ve been looking for. Call Anchor Spine & Joint or book online today to schedule your consultation.