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A spinal cord stimulator trial is a critical step in determining whether long-term electrical pain relief is right for you. Here’s how the trial works, why it matters, and the criteria for a successful outcome, so you can be confident in your care.
For people with chronic back or leg pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) can deliver real relief. But results vary from person to person, and a spinal cord stimulator trial is an essential part of the process.
Unlike a permanent implant, a spinal cord stimulator trial is temporary. It allows you to “test drive” the therapy and find out if it’s effective for your pain.
Our team at Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care in Hobart, La Porte, Merrillville, Munster, and Valparaiso, Indiana, specialize in spinal cord stimulators and treating back pain. We’re here to help you understand how the trial works and what constitutes success, so you can make an informed decision about your pain management plan.
What happens during a spinal cord stimulator trial
If you’re considering a spinal cord stimulator for your chronic back pain, the first step is a comprehensive consultation with a pain specialist. Our team evaluates your medical history, pain patterns, and previous treatments to help you decide if it’s a good option for you. Then, we’ll explain the trial process, risks, and expectations.
If you move ahead with the trial, we place thin, flexible wires called leads into the epidural space near your spine. We connect the leads to an external stimulator that you’ll wear on a belt or waistband. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, and you may go home the same day.
Over the next several days (usually 3-7), you use the external stimulator to deliver mild electrical pulses to your nerves. You’ll be able to adjust stimulation settings (including strength and frequency) to find configurations that relieve your pain. During this period, you track your pain levels, relief, side effects, and how stimulation affects your daily activities.
After the trial, you return to the clinic for an evaluation. We review your pain diary, discuss how stimulation influenced your function and quality of life, and decide whether a permanent implant is worthwhile.
Why a spinal cord stimulator trial is so important
Everyone’s nervous system responds differently to pain management techniques. The trial lets you test whether stimulation works for you, not just in theory or in someone else’s case.
A spinal cord stimulator is a long-term commitment, and a sufficient trial helps avoid unnecessary surgery if stimulation doesn’t offer meaningful benefit. During the trial, we can help you fine-tune stimulation parameters to maximize relief and minimize unwanted sensations.
Plus, insurance companies often require a successful trial before approving a permanent implant, making this step not only clinically ideal but practically necessary.
When is a spinal cord stimulator trial considered a success?
A spinal cord stimulator trial is generally deemed successful based on several key criteria. First, we look at how well it reduced your pain. In general, we look for at least a 50% decrease in pain intensity compared to your baseline.
Beyond feeling less pain, you should experience meaningful gains in your ability to function in daily life; for example, improved sleep, walking, sitting, or standing. And if you’re able to reduce your use of pain medications (especially opioids) because of the stimulation, that strongly supports success.
We also consider how well you tolerated the trial. You should be comfortable with the sensations, programming, and any side effects. Pain relief with intolerable stimulation or side effects may not represent a successful trial.
Ultimately, how you feel about the trial, your ability to return to meaningful activities, and whether you believe the benefit outweighs the effort are critical measures, too.
What happens after a successful spinal cord stimulator trial
If your trial is successful, the next step is to schedule a permanent SCS implant. This involves bringing the leads under your skin and placing a battery-powered pulse generator in a pocket under your skin, usually near your abdomen or buttocks.
Our team guides you through the process, including the surgery and post-operative programming. Even after successful implantation, ongoing follow-up is needed. We continue to fine-tune settings, monitor battery usage, and address any changes in your pain or function.
What if the trial isn’t successful?
A failed trial doesn’t automatically mean stimulation isn’t for you, and we’ll discuss your results and help you create a plan moving forward. You may need the stimulator parameters adjusted, or it may mean that stimulation isn’t the right therapy.
At that point, we can discuss alternative pain management strategies like injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, or different neuromodulation options. The trial itself is a valuable learning opportunity to help us learn more about your condition, what works, and what doesn’t.
A spinal cord stimulator trial allows you to test a powerful, customized pain relief option before making a permanent commitment. A successful trial can mean less pain, better function, fewer medications, and real improvement in quality of life.
If you’re considering spinal cord stimulator therapy, our team at Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care is here to walk you through every step so you can make the best decision for your health and comfort. Contact us online or by phone today to get started.