SCS Therapy: The Complete Guide

Questions to Ask Your Doctor (SCS Detailed Edition)

When considering SCS treatment, here are questions to discuss with your doctor:

About Device Selection

  1. "Which manufacturer's device do you use? Why?"

    • This helps you understand the doctor's experience and the institution's track record

  2. "For my situation, is a rechargeable or non-rechargeable device better?"

    • Helps you choose a device that suits your lifestyle

  3. "How often will I need to charge the device? Is charging a burden?"

    • Gives you a concrete understanding of how it will affect your daily life

About Stimulation Modes

  1. "For my case, are programs with paresthesia or without paresthesia more suitable?"

    • Helps you understand the differences in effectiveness and charging frequency between stimulation types

  2. "Can I try multiple modes during the trial period?"

    • Confirms whether you will have the opportunity to find the mode that works best for you

Questions for Patients Who Have Not Had Surgery

  1. "In my case, which has a higher success rate -- surgery or SCS?"

    • Gives you objective comparison data

  2. "How long after conservative treatment should I consider SCS?"

    • Helps you determine the best timing

  3. "If I try SCS and it does not work, can I still have surgery afterward?"

    • Helps you understand the sequence of treatments and the reversibility of SCS

Questions for Patients Who Have Had Surgery

  1. "For patients like me with post-surgical pain, what is the success rate of SCS?"

    • Gives you a specific prognosis for your situation as a post-surgical patient

  2. "Is reoperation a possibility? Which is better for me -- SCS or reoperation?"

    • Allows you to compare SCS with reoperation

About MRI and Daily Life

  1. "After SCS implantation, can I get an MRI? Under what conditions?"

    • Helps you understand any limitations on future medical tests

  2. "What daily life restrictions will I have? (Work, exercise, travel, etc.)"

    • Gives you a concrete understanding of how your quality of life will be affected

About the Trial

  1. "During the trial period, how should I judge whether SCS is working?"

    • Helps you establish clear criteria for success

  2. "If the trial is not effective, what might be the reasons?"

    • Helps you understand potential factors for failure in advance and plan accordingly

  3. "Will the trial use percutaneous (needle) leads or surgically placed leads? What are the pros and cons of each?"

    • Percutaneous placement is less invasive but has challenges in reproducing the stimulation pattern; surgical placement allows the same lead to be used for permanent implantation

  4. "Will the procedure be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia?"

    • Anesthesia methods vary depending on the physician and institution

About Cost and Follow-Up

  1. "How much will it cost? Can I use the high-cost medical care benefit system?"

    • Gives you a realistic estimate of the financial burden

  2. "After implantation, how often will I need follow-up visits?"

    • Helps you understand the long-term follow-up commitment

Tip:

Print the checklist from Part 7 and bring it to your appointment. Asking "Which of the three types do I fall into?" can lead to a more specific and helpful explanation from your doctor.

Comprehensive Questions for Your Doctor

Find an SCS Center Near You -- Search for facilities that perform SCS

Next Steps

Detailed Treatment Comparison -- Compare cost, risk, and long-term outcomes of SCS versus surgery

Treatment Selection Guide -- A guide to finding the right treatment for you

SCS and Psychological Preparation -- Preparing yourself mentally before treatment

Daily Life Tips -- Practical strategies for living well with pain

This page provides medically accurate information, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual situation.