Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Medication Use After SCS
Several studies have reported that patients reduce their use of pain medications after SCS, including opioids (strong painkillers).
However, this does not apply to everyone. Some patients continue to need medication even after SCS implantation.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) and SCS
This site also provides detailed information about SCS for lumbar spinal stenosis. If you have both chronic low back pain and spinal stenosis, SCS may be considered from both perspectives.
Learn more about SCS for spinal stenosis → Spinal Cord Stimulation
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| "I'm nervous about having a device inside my body." | That is completely understandable. The trial period (5–14 days) lets you test the device first, and it can be removed if it does not work for you. The permanent generator is a thin device roughly the size of a business card — similar in concept to a cardiac pacemaker |
| "Can I get SCS even if I haven't had back surgery?" | Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Recent research has included patients with chronic low back pain who have not had prior surgery |
| "Will I feel a tingling sensation?" | Some stimulation modes produce no tingling at all. This varies by device and settings — ask your doctor |
| "Can I have an MRI?" | Many current devices are MRI-compatible, but with certain conditions. Check with your doctor |
| "Can I take baths or go swimming?" | Generally yes, once the surgical site has healed. Confirm with your doctor |
| "How long is the hospital stay?" | Typically several days for the trial, and a similar stay for the permanent implantation |
| "Is it covered by insurance?" | In many countries, yes — but coverage criteria vary. Check with your insurer or treatment center |