Good candidates for SCS are patients who have experienced chronic pain for at least six months and have not found adequate relief through conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. A thorough evaluation at Solutions in Pain will determine whether SCS is appropriate for your specific condition and history.

Unlike some pain treatments, spinal cord stimulation is covered by most major insurance providers for patients who meet clinical criteria. Coverage typically requires documentation that other treatments have been attempted without adequate relief, as well as a psychological evaluation prior to implantation. Our team will work with you to navigate the insurance process and determine your eligibility.

The trial phase involves placing temporary leads near the spinal cord connected to an external battery for 5 to 7 days. This lets you experience the therapy before committing. If you achieve meaningful pain relief during the trial, you can choose to move forward with permanent implantation, where the device is fully placed under the skin at our surgical center.

Most patients tolerate the procedure quite well. The area is numbed beforehand to minimize discomfort. Some patients feel mild soreness at the implant site for a few days following the procedure. This is normal and expected. Our team takes every measure to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.

Battery longevity and charging requirements vary by the specific SCS system and programming. Some systems are rechargeable and others are not. Device selection should include discussion of expected battery longevity, charging needs, future generator replacement, and manufacturer-specific requirements.

Many current SCS systems are MRI-conditional rather than universally MRI compatible. Whether an MRI can be performed depends on the exact implanted system, leads, scanner, body region, and manufacturer conditions. Patients should provide their device information to the imaging center before MRI is scheduled.

SCS is designed to significantly reduce pain rather than eliminate it entirely. Trial goals are individualized and include pain relief, function, patient experience, and the overall clinical picture. Many patients also experience improved function, better sleep, and reduced reliance on pain medications. Your provider will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific condition during your consultation.

Yes. At Solutions in Pain we often incorporate SCS into broader treatment plans. These may include physical therapy, medication management, or other pain management approaches. A multi-modal strategy allows us to address chronic pain from multiple angles. Patients who follow a comprehensive plan often experience more meaningful and lasting improvement.

Before your appointment, make sure to arrange a designated driver as you will not be able to drive yourself home. Avoid blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications if instructed by your provider. Eat a light meal beforehand and stay well hydrated. Inform our team of all current medications and supplements so we can provide personalized preparation guidance.

Unlike general practitioners who may offer SCS as an occasional procedure, Solutions in Pain is dedicated entirely to pain management and neuromodulation. Our specialists bring years of focused experience in spinal cord stimulation, with locations in both Allen and Wylie, TX. We select among current neuromodulation systems based on the patient’s diagnosis and needs, develop fully individualized treatment plans, and offer a comprehensive range of complementary therapies under one roof.

SCS does not suit every patient. Patients with active infections, bleeding disorders, or certain cardiac conditions may not qualify. Those with uncontrolled psychiatric conditions or active substance abuse issues may also fall outside the criteria. Our team at Solutions in Pain conducts a thorough evaluation to determine whether SCS is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

An SCS system can often be removed if clinically necessary, but removal is another procedure with its own risks. Implantation may result in tissue changes such as scar formation, and revision or explant decisions are individualized.

Some patients may be able to reduce certain pain medications after successful SCS therapy, while others continue medication. Medication reduction is not guaranteed and any change should be coordinated with the prescribing clinician.

After implantation, your provider will ask you to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending or twisting at the waist for several weeks. This allows the leads to stabilize properly. Most patients return to light daily activities relatively quickly. Our team provides a detailed set of post-procedure instructions tailored to your situation before you leave our surgical center.

A pain pump delivers medication directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Spinal cord stimulation uses electrical impulses instead of medication to interrupt pain signals. SCS uses electrical stimulation rather than delivering medication into the intrathecal space. Each therapy has different indications, risks, benefits, and monitoring requirements. Each option has specific indications and is not appropriate for every chronic pain condition. Your provider can help determine which approach better fits your condition.

If SCS stops producing adequate relief, our team takes several steps to address the issue. First, we adjust or reprogram the device settings to improve effectiveness. If lead migration has occurred, we perform a minor repositioning procedure to correct placement. In cases where SCS no longer provides relief, we remove the device and explore alternative treatments. Our team monitors your progress closely throughout your care.

SCS may be considered for selected patients with persistent neuropathic or radicular leg pain after an appropriate diagnosis has been established and other reasonable treatments have not provided adequate benefit. It is not a routine first-line treatment for acute or uncomplicated sciatica.

The anesthetic plan for SCS implantation depends on the procedure, device, patient, and surgical setting. Local anesthesia with monitored sedation may be used in some cases, while other anesthetic approaches may be appropriate. The plan is individualized for safety and the technical needs of the procedure.

Yes. Most patients with a spinal cord stimulator travel and fly without significant restrictions. Our team provides you with a device identification card to present at airport security checkpoints. The device may trigger metal detectors, so inform TSA agents before you go through screening. Your provider will give you specific travel guidelines and tips before you leave our office.

Solutions in Pain dedicates its entire practice to pain management and neuromodulation. Spinal cord stimulation is one of our core procedures — not an occasional add-on service. Our specialists perform SCS procedures regularly and bring a high level of focused experience to every case. Patients throughout the DFW area choose Solutions in Pain for their SCS care because of this depth of experience.