What is SCS surgery?

What is SCS surgery?

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) device is surgically placed under your skin and sends a mild electric current to your spinal cord (Fig. 1). Thin wires carry current from a pulse generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. When turned on, the SCS stimulates the nerves in the area where your pain is felt.

What is an SCS in medical terms?

A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) or Dorsal Column Stimulator (DCS) is a type of implantable neuromodulation device (sometimes called a “pain pacemaker”) that is used to send electrical signals to select areas of the spinal cord (dorsal columns) for the treatment of certain pain conditions.

What does a SCS do?

SCS therapy works by interrupting pain signals before they reach your brain. This can help with pain relief—even when other therapies have failed. Learn about spinal cord stimulation, and how your implant can deliver personalized relief to help you get back to living your life.

What is spinal neuromodulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a type of neuromodulation, which is a surgical procedure that implants electrodes in the body to change how the nervous system works. Spinal cord stimulation involves placing the electrodes on the spinal cord to control pain signals.

What can I expect after SCS surgery?

Incisions usually heal between 2 and 4 weeks. Light activities such as moderate walking and driving is generally recommended the first two weeks. Complete recovery/return to normal life is usually around 6 to 8 weeks.

How long does it take to recover from a spinal cord stimulator?

If you need to have your spinal cord stimulator removed, the spinal cord stimulator removal recovery time is generally brief. It should take between two to four weeks for complete healing, but as with all medical procedures this varies from patient to patient.

Who is a good candidate for spinal cord stimulator?

The best candidates for SCS treatment are patients who suffer from chronic back or neck pain that’s not related to movement. SCS can also benefit patients who have pain remaining after back surgery that is not due to movement, as well as patients with conditions including: Lumbar radiculopathy. Sciatica.