Treatments

A Minimally Invasive Solution for Nerve Pain and Neuropathy

Living with chronic pain can be exhausting, physically and emotionally. For people who have found no relief with medications, physical therapy, or injections, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a minimally invasive, drug-free option that can help ease pain and restore your quality of life.

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we offer advanced pain relief solutions like spinal cord stimulation to help patients take back control and live more comfortably.

‍

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a procedure involving a small device that delivers gentle electrical impulses to the spine. These impulses disrupt pain signals before they reach your brain and can provide significant relief for patients with chronic nerve pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

It’s helpful for people who haven’t found relief through other treatments and want to avoid ongoing medications or a more invasive surgery.

‍

Learn more about pain therapy treatments at Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists.

‍

Who Can Benefit from SCS?

Spinal cord stimulation is commonly used for:

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) - Ongoing pain even after spine surgery
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Nerve pain in the arms or legs
• Neuropathy - Nerve damage causing burning, tingling, or shooting pain
• Spinal Stenosis - Narrowing of the spinal canal
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) - Poor circulation leading to nerve pain
• Post-surgical nerve pain - After joint, neck, or back procedures

If you’re still in pain after trying injections, medications, or physical therapy, spinal cord stimulation may be something you can explore.

‍

Explore other non-surgical pain management solutions.

‍

How the Procedure Works

SCS is done in two phases:

‍

Step 1: Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial

A temporary device is placed near the spine through a simple, minimally invasive procedure. Patient will test the device for 5-7 days to determine if it provides significant pain relief. If trial is successful then a permanent stimulator can be implanted.

‍

Step 2: Permanent Implant

If the trial goes well, a small generator is implanted under the skin usually in the lower back, and thin electrical leads are placed near the spinal cord. The patient can adjust stimulation levels using a handheld remote.

Most people go home the same day and get back to light activity within a few days.

‍

Learn about other advanced spinal pain treatments.

‍

After the Procedure: What to Expect

Many patients feel relief shortly after the device is activated. Over time, SCS often helps reduce or even eliminate the need for pain medications.

‍

Timeline:

• First 24 hours: You may feel mild soreness at the site.
• First week: Pain usually begins to improve gradually.
• 1–2 weeks: Most patients return to normal routines.

To get the best long-term results, we often combine SCS with physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes .

‍

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

• Long-term relief for chronic nerve pain
• Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time
• Reduces or eliminates the need for opioid pain medications
• Adjustable and customizable pain relief
• Can be tested before committing to a permanent device

Read about other interventional pain management techniques.

‍

Long-Term Pain Relief with SCS

Spinal cord stimulation is more effective when its paired with:

• physical therapy to build strength in muscles and improve posture
• Stretching or low impact exercise to maintain mobility 
• Follow-up care to keep your pain relief

The device can also be reprogrammed if your pain shifts or changes over time.

‍

Learn about radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain.

‍

FAQs

How does a spinal cord stimulator work?
It sends small electrical pulses to the spine that interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain.

‍

How long does the device last?
The implant typically lasts 5–10 years before the battery needs replacement.

‍

Can it be removed?
Yes, the device can be taken out if it no longer works or if you decide you don’t want it anymore.

‍

Is it covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover SCS for chronic pain. Our team will help verify your coverage.

‍

Why Choose Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists?

‍

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists,  we’re here to help you feel better. Our expert pain specialists ensure that each treatment is tailored to the patient’s condition.

• specialists experienced in spinal cord stimulator procedures
• Advanced imaging technology for accurate placement
• Tailored treatment plans based on your unique pain condition