How Effective Is Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain?

Living with chronic pain can be overwhelming. Whether caused by conditions like sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or failed back surgery syndrome, chronic pain diminishes quality of life and limits daily activities. For many, traditional treatments like physical therapy or medication may not provide sufficient relief. This is where spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain offers hope.

Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain is a groundbreaking treatment, offering lasting pain relief without relying on medications. But how effective is it?

Let’s explore the science behind spinal cord stimulators, clinical evidence supporting their use, and insights into how they can help pain patients regain control over their lives.

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive treatment that relieves chronic pain by modifying the way pain signals travel to the brain. A small battery is surgically implanted under the skin. This device delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain, which reduces the perception of pain.

Spinal cord stimulators do not aim to cure the underlying cause of pain. It turns out, the cause of many chronic pain conditions can often only be truly cured through invasive surgeries or cannot be cured at all. Instead, SCS therapy focuses on symptom relief, significantly reducing pain so patients can reclaim the physical and emotional aspects of their lives.

How effective is spinal cord stimulation?

The effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain depends on various factors, such as the patient’s specific condition and their body’s unique response to the therapy. But clinical studies have consistently shown that spinal cord stimulation is highly effective for many individuals.

Here is a detailed look at findings from key clinical trials and studies:

1. Sustained pain relief

Several studies highlight the long-term relief provided by spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain.

A study published in Interventional Pain Medicine evaluated the real-world outcomes of single-stage spinal cord stimulation (SS-SCS) for chronic pain patients, bypassing the traditional trial period. The study revealed a substantial and sustained reduction in pain levels maintained over 12 months.

At a 408-day follow-up, 71.3% of patients reported at least a 50% reduction in pain. Significant improvements were also observed in lower back and leg pain¹.

2. Reduced medication dependency

Many patients rely on opioids or other strong medications to manage chronic pain. However, the potential risks of opioid use are well-documented. Spinal cord stimulation offers a safer alternative.

A study in The Clinical Journal of Pain reported that SCS patients significantly reduced their reliance on opioid pain medications after implantation. This is particularly crucial because it lowers the risks of side effects, addiction, and other complications often associated with long-term opioid use².

A recent study, Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Reduces Opioid Use and Results in Superior Clinical Outcomes When Used Without Opioids, found that 64% of patients who were using opioids prior to SCS reduced or eliminated opioid use at one year postoperatively.

Those who stopped opioids or never used them experienced better pain relief and overall health improvements compared to those who continued opioid use³.

Another study evaluated the opioid-sparing effects of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation. The study found that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) helped over 60% of chronic pain patients reduce or stop opioid use⁴.

3. Enhanced functionality

Participants in clinical trials have expressed notable improvements in their ability to perform daily activities. Mobility, adaptability in workspaces, and even mood improvements have been observed⁵.

This is attributed to decreased pain and the psychological reassurance that comes with effective treatment.

4. Success rates by condition

Certain conditions are more responsive to SCS therapy.

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)

A systematic review on spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) concluded that SCS, especially high-frequency modalities, is a valuable option for managing FBSS, improving both pain levels and functionality⁶.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

A systematic study has found that 67% of CRPS patients (Type I and II) implanted with SCS devices experienced at least 50% pain relief over a median follow-up of 33 months⁷.

Neuropathic pain

A study, Spinal Cord Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain: Current Perspectives, published in the
Journal of Pain Research concluded that SCS is an effective treatment option for neuropathic pain⁸.

The data underscores the versatility of SCS across a wide range of chronic pain conditions.

Real-life stories of success

Hearing about others’ experiences with spinal cord stimulation can provide comfort and inspiration.

Carla, a patient at Twin Cities Pain Clinic, experienced debilitating diabetic neuropathy pain for years. After trying SCS, her life was transformed. She went from constant, severe pain to enjoying relief 24/7.

Stories like Carla’s demonstrate the life-changing potential of spinal cord stimulation.

What providers are saying

Healthcare providers at Twin Cities Pain Clinic have seen firsthand the transformative power of spinal cord stimulation. “SCS gives patients their lives back,” says Dr. Andrew Pisansky. “It is incredibly rewarding to see patients move from chronic pain to living fuller, more active lives.”

Providers emphasize that SCS is a highly effective tool in managing pain and restoring hope for many patients.

Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain in Burnsville, Chaska, Edina, Maple Grove, Maplewood, and Woodbury, MN

Imagine being able to enjoy activities that pain has kept you from for so long. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain offers a drug-free, effective, and patient-centered solution. Additionally, spinal cord stimulation is a rapidly advancing technology. The impressive results cited above are only expected to continue improving.

At Twin Cities Pain Clinic, we are committed to helping you regain your quality of life. Our compassionate team of pain management specialists and certified nurse practitioners offers personalized care and advanced pain management solutions, including spinal cord stimulation therapy tailored to your needs.

To schedule a consultation with us, contact our office today at (952) 841-2345 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!

References

1. De Negri P, Paz-Solis JF, Rigoard P, et al. Real-world outcomes of single-stage spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain patients: A multicentre, European case series. Interventional Pain Medicine. 2023;2(3):100263. doi:1016/j.inpm.2023.100263
2. Smith CA, Roman J, Mammis A. The role of spinal cord stimulation in reducing opioid use in the setting of chronic neuropathic pain. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2022;38(4):285-291. doi:1097/ajp.0000000000001021
3. Gee L, Smith HC, Ghulam-Jelani Z, et al. Spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain reduces opioid use and results in superior clinical outcomes when used without opioids. Neurosurgery. 2018;84(1):217-226. doi:1093/neuros/nyy065
4. Al‐Kaisy A, Van Buyten J, Amirdelfan K, et al. Opioid‐sparing effects of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation: a review of clinical evidence. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2019;1462(1):53-64. doi:1111/nyas.14236
5. Khabbass M, Saleki M, Bretherton B, Baranidharan G. Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life with Spinal cord stimulation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Single-Center, Retrospective study. Neuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface. 2024;27(6):1035-1044. doi:1016/j.neurom.2024.04.008
6. Frey ME. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Pain Physician. 2009;2;12(2;3):379-397. doi:36076/ppj.2009/12/379
7. Taylor RS, Van Buyten J, Buchser E. Spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome: A systematic review of the clinical and cost‐effectiveness literature and assessment of prognostic factors. European Journal of Pain. 2005;10(2):91. doi:1016/j.ejpain.2005.02.004
8. Wolter T. Spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain: current perspectives. Journal of Pain Research. November 1, 2014:651. doi:2147/jpr.s37589