Living with chronic pain can affect every aspect of your life—from work and sleep to mobility and overall well-being. If conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections have not provided lasting relief, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may be an option.
At TOPS Institute, our board-certified interventional pain management specialists provide advanced Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in Los Angeles for carefully selected patients with chronic neuropathic pain. This minimally invasive form of neuromodulation uses gentle electrical stimulation to modify pain signals before they reach the brain, helping some patients experience meaningful pain reduction and improved quality of life.
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation and temporary trial before a permanent device is considered.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a form of neuromodulation therapy used to help manage certain types of chronic pain.
A small device is implanted beneath the skin and connected to thin electrical leads that are placed within the epidural space near the spinal cord. The device delivers mild electrical impulses that modify how pain signals are transmitted through the nervous system.
Rather than correcting the underlying structural cause of pain, spinal cord stimulation is designed to reduce the perception of chronic pain in appropriately selected patients.
Many modern systems allow physicians to adjust stimulation settings over time to optimize symptom control.
Pain signals normally travel from injured nerves through the spinal cord to the brain.
A spinal cord stimulator delivers gentle electrical stimulation that changes how these pain signals are processed, helping reduce the sensation of chronic pain for some patients.
Depending on the device, stimulation may produce a mild tingling sensation or operate without any noticeable sensation.
Because every patient responds differently, a temporary trial is performed before long-term implantation.
Spinal Cord Stimulation may be considered for selected patients with:
Our physicians carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether spinal cord stimulation is an appropriate treatment option.
Your care begins with a detailed evaluation by one of our experienced pain management specialists.
During your consultation, we review:
This assessment helps determine whether spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for your condition.
If you’re a candidate, the next step is a temporary spinal cord stimulation trial.
During this minimally invasive outpatient procedure:
A successful trial helps predict whether permanent implantation is likely to provide meaningful benefit.
Following the trial, you’ll meet with your physician to discuss:
Only patients who experience meaningful improvement during the trial are typically considered for permanent implantation.
If the trial is successful, a permanent spinal cord stimulation system may be implanted during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
The system includes:
The generator can be programmed and adjusted after implantation to optimize therapy.
Routine follow-up appointments allow your physician to:
Ongoing programming is an important part of successful long-term treatment.
For appropriately selected patients, spinal cord stimulation may provide:
Results vary depending on the underlying diagnosis, patient selection, and individual response to therapy.
Our physicians specialize in advanced neuromodulation procedures and evidence-based treatment of complex chronic pain conditions.
We carefully determine whether spinal cord stimulation is appropriate before recommending implantation.
Not every patient with chronic pain is a candidate for SCS.
Temporary trial leads and permanent systems are placed using advanced imaging guidance to maximize procedural precision.
Programming adjustments, follow-up visits, and individualized treatment plans help optimize long-term outcomes.
For some patients, spinal cord stimulation may reduce reliance on long-term pain medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Compared with major spine surgery, spinal cord stimulation involves minimally invasive outpatient procedures with relatively short recovery times.
Modern spinal cord stimulators can be programmed and adjusted over time as symptoms change.
Unlike many surgical procedures, spinal cord stimulation systems can often be removed if the therapy is no longer appropriate or effective.
Recovery varies depending on the individual and the specific procedure performed.
Most patients:
Your physician will provide detailed postoperative instructions tailored to your recovery.
Spinal cord stimulation is generally considered safe when performed by experienced specialists.
Potential risks include:
Our physicians discuss all potential benefits, risks, and available alternatives before recommending treatment.
A spinal cord stimulator is a small implanted medical device that delivers mild electrical stimulation near the spinal cord to help modify chronic pain signals before they reach the brain.
Patients with chronic neuropathic pain that has not responded to conservative treatments—including medications, physical therapy, injections, or prior surgery—may be candidates after a comprehensive evaluation.
SCS may be appropriate for selected patients with failed back surgery syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), chronic neuropathic pain, persistent leg pain, chronic arm pain, and certain other chronic pain conditions.
Many patients who respond well to spinal cord stimulation report meaningful improvements in pain and function. Outcomes vary depending on the diagnosis, patient selection, and successful completion of the temporary trial.
The temporary trial helps determine whether spinal cord stimulation provides meaningful pain relief before a longer-term implanted device is considered.
Most patients recover over several weeks. Activity restrictions are usually recommended during the initial healing period to reduce the risk of lead movement.
Yes. Spinal cord stimulation is generally considered a reversible therapy, and the system can often be removed if treatment is no longer appropriate.
Some patients reduce their use of pain medication after successful spinal cord stimulation, while others continue medication as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Treatment is individualized.
Battery life varies depending on the type of device, stimulation settings, and usage. Some systems are rechargeable, while others may require replacement after several years.
Yes. When performed by experienced physicians using appropriate techniques, spinal cord stimulation is generally considered safe. As with any procedure, potential risks and benefits will be discussed during your consultation.
If chronic nerve pain continues to limit your quality of life despite conservative treatment, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may provide another option for long-term pain management.
At TOPS Institute, our experienced interventional pain specialists offer advanced Spinal Cord Stimulation in Los Angeles, combining comprehensive evaluations, temporary trial stimulation, minimally invasive implantation, and personalized follow-up care to help patients achieve meaningful improvements in pain and function.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn whether Spinal Cord Stimulation is the right treatment for you.
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640 South San Vicente Blvd., Suite 389, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Interventional pain management for Los Angeles & Beverly Hills — image-guided care that treats the source, not just the symptom.
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