Chronic pain can take a toll on every aspect of life, but for many patients spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers hope.
Spinal cord stimulation, a type of neuromodulation, is not typically the first treatment that pain management specialist Dr. Leia Rispoli prescribes for chronic pain at her practice in Newport Beach and Marina Del Rey, California. However, when other therapies fail, she may consider an SCS trial.
An SCS trial is minimally invasive and typically lasts 5-7 days. This gives you and Dr. Rispoli time to accurately assess whether SCS provides sufficient pain relief before you commit to permanent SCS placement.
Here’s an in-depth look at how a spinal cord stimulator works and what to expect during a trial.
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device that delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, modulating pain signals from nerves before they reach the brain.
The device includes three components: a pulse generator, multiple leads (wires), and a remote control that allows you to turn the generator on and off. Generator dimensions vary by brand, but most are about 2 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
Once you’ve completed an SCS trial, if you choose to move forward, the pulse generator is surgically implanted just under the skin in the upper buttocks, abdomen, or chest, depending on the source of pain. The wire leads, also placed under the skin, travel from the generator to the epidural space.
Dr. Rispoli may recommend SCS to manage chronic pain from conditions like:
Researchers are studying the benefits of CSC therapy for other painful and often debilitating conditions, such as ischemic pain related to poor circulation or postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain related to shingles).
A typical spinal cord stimulation trial includes:
Dr. Rispoli assesses your medical history, current pain levels, and previous treatments to determine if you’re a good candidate for the trial. She’ll also explain the procedure and clarify expectations for pain relief.
The trial begins with a short outpatient procedure, often performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
Guided by X-ray imaging to ensure precision, Dr. Rispoli inserts thin, flexible wires (leads) into the epidural space of your spine using a small needle. The leads are positioned near the nerves responsible for your pain.
Once in place, she connects the leads to an external pulse generator worn on a belt or placed in a pouch.
After securing the leads, Dr. Rispoli programs the device, adjusting the electrical settings to target your pain. You may feel a mild tingling sensation (paresthesia), which indicates the stimulation is working.
Over the next 5-7 days, you’ll test the device by tracking your pain levels, sleep quality, activity levels, and changes in medication use.
At the end of the trial, the leads are removed in a simple outpatient procedure that is quick and typically painless. If the trial is successful, you can proceed with a fully implanted system customized to meet your needs.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Leia Rispoli today for more information about an SCS trial or other pain management services we offer. Call or request an appointment with our online booking.
