If you’re searching for relief from nerve pain, a spinal cord pain stimulator might also be the solution.
Living with chronic pain can feel like carrying a weight you can’t set down. If you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked, a spinal cord stimulator (also called a spinal cord pain stimulator) might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we use advanced spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technology to help patients find lasting relief from nerve pain, post-surgical back pain, and even poor leg circulation. This treatment is backed by years of research and has changed lives—including right here in Arizona.
What Exactly Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Think of it like a pacemaker, but for pain. A spinal cord stimulator is a small device placed near your spine. It sends gentle electrical signals to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain.
Some people feel a light tingling, while others don’t feel anything at all—just relief. Modern systems are even designed to be completely paresthesia-free.
What Conditions Can It Help With?
The FDA has approved spinal cord stimulation for several chronic pain conditions:
- Neuropathic pain like diabetic nerve pain or CRPS
- Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
- Critical limb ischemia (CLI) in select cases
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: Now FDA Approved
If you’re living with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) and medications haven’t worked, spinal cord stimulation may be the answer. PDN affects up to 25% of people with diabetes and causes burning, tingling, or stabbing pain in the legs and feet.
SCS provides a non-drug, FDA-approved treatment option. Thin wires (leads) are placed in the epidural space to deliver gentle pulses that calm overactive pain signals.
There are two main types:
- Low-frequency SCS – Produces a tingling sensation (paresthesia)
- High-frequency 10-kHz SCS – A newer, paresthesia-free method that is often more effective
SCS is best for:
- Adults with PDN lasting 3 months or more
- People who didn’t respond to medications or injections
- Patients with controlled blood sugar and no severe nerve damage or infection
What’s remarkable is that many patients report improved sensation in their feet—not just pain relief. Studies show up to 62% of patients had better sensory function at 12 months. And 55% maintained significant pain relief or improvement five years after implant.
Additional benefits include:
- Better sleep
- Improved mobility
- Reduced need for medications (especially opioids)
More than 80% of patients still use their spinal cord stimulator five years later. That’s meaningful, lasting relief.
CRPS and Other Neuropathic Pain
If you’re battling complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or another chronic nerve pain condition, SCS may help. Patients need a proper diagnosis using the Budapest Criteria and a successful trial to confirm benefit before permanent implantation.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Sometimes, even after surgery, the pain lingers. That’s called failed back surgery syndrome, also known as persistent spinal pain.
Spinal cord stimulation may help more than repeat surgery. It can:
- Relieve nerve pain
- Improve movement
- Lower medication needs
We always start with a trial phase to see if it works for you.
Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) results from severely reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. Symptoms may include chronic pain, non-healing ulcers, and tissue loss.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an option when revascularization is not possible or has failed. Both the Society for Vascular Surgery and Society of Interventional Radiology support SCS as a non-revascularization treatment.
Ideal candidates have:
- Intractable ischemic pain
- Foot TcPO₂ between 10–30 mmHg
- Preserved microcirculatory reserve
SCS may improve microvascular perfusion and reduce pain, even though it doesn’t restore large-vessel blood flow.
SCS is not recommended for:
- Patients with TcPO₂ <10 mmHg and no microvascular reserve
- Active infections or severe comorbidities
Here’s what the data shows:
- Limb salvage improves by ~11% at 12 months versus conservative treatment
- Amputation rates range from 17–28% after one year
- Up to 83% of patients maintain limb salvage with proper selection
- Pain relief is often fast and sustained
- Many patients reduce or stop opioid use
Complications occur in about 12–22% of patients, most often due to infection or lead problems. Traditional low-frequency systems are widely used and effective in this setting.
In short, SCS offers hope for those with severe limb pain who have run out of other options.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for SCS if:
- Pain has lasted 3–6 months or more
- Treatments like medications or therapy haven’t worked
- You don’t have active infections or severe untreated psychiatric issues
- You’re committed to follow-up and device care
Candidates must complete a successful trial, showing at least 50% pain relief or meaningful improvement.
SCS is not advised for patients with:
- Active systemic infections
- Severe blood-clotting problems
- Advanced medical instability
- Uncontrolled mental health or substance use issues
What’s the Trial Like?
You’ll test out a temporary stimulator for about a week. If it provides significant relief, we’ll move forward with a permanent system.
Long-Term Results: Does It Really Work?
Research shows spinal cord stimulation delivers lasting benefits:
- 60% of patients maintain 50% or more pain relief at 2 years
- Many report better sleep, movement, and quality of life
- Up to 43% reduce or stop opioids
- Over 80% say they would choose SCS again
What Are the Risks?
SCS is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks:
- Lead migration (leads shifting out of place)
- Infection
- Battery problems
- Discomfort around the implant
Explantation (removal) occurs in 16–19% of patients, most often years later due to complications or inadequate relief. Still, the majority of patients keep their devices long-term.
Ready to Learn If SCS Is Right for You?
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we guide you from start to finish—from evaluation to trial and beyond. You’re not in this alone.
We proudly serve patients in Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Laveen, and Sun Lakes.
Schedule now or call us at 602-633-4334 to find out if a spinal cord stimulator could change your life.