Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a cutting-edge neuromodulation therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to modify pain signals before they reach the brain. At Interventional Pain Consultants, we offer SCS as a transformative option for patients living with chronic pain conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments.
A small device — similar to a cardiac pacemaker — is implanted near the spinal cord and delivers carefully calibrated electrical pulses to disrupt the transmission of pain signals. The result is a significant and sustained reduction in perceived pain, allowing patients to reclaim their daily function, reduce medication dependency, and experience a better quality of life.
Our experienced specialists at Interventional Pain Consultants guide each patient through a thorough evaluation, a trial stimulation phase, and — if successful — a permanent implant procedure. Every step is personalized to your condition, lifestyle, and long-term recovery goals.
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Before committing to a permanent implant, every SCS candidate at Interventional Pain Consultants undergoes a carefully supervised trial phase. During this minimally invasive outpatient procedure, thin electrode leads are temporarily placed near the spinal cord through a small incision. These leads are connected to an external pulse generator worn outside the body, allowing the patient to experience SCS therapy in their real daily environment over a period of five to ten days.
The trial phase serves as a critical diagnostic and therapeutic test — giving both the patient and our clinical team measurable data on how well stimulation controls the pain. Candidates who achieve at least a fifty percent reduction in pain during the trial are typically considered strong candidates for permanent implantation.
Our team closely monitors each patient throughout the trial, adjusting stimulation settings as needed to optimize comfort and pain coverage. This careful, patient-first approach ensures that those who move forward to permanent SCS do so with realistic expectations and a high likelihood of long-term success.
LEARN MOREFollowing a successful SCS trial, the permanent implant procedure involves placing the electrode leads and a small internal pulse generator (IPG) — commonly referred to as the stimulator battery — beneath the skin. The leads are positioned along the epidural space of the spinal cord, and the IPG is typically implanted in the lower back or buttock area for comfortable, discreet placement.
The entire system is fully internalized and programmable, allowing patients and clinicians to adjust stimulation parameters wirelessly using an external device. Modern IPGs are rechargeable and designed to last many years, offering a long-term pain management solution without the ongoing need for systemic medication or repeated procedures.
At Interventional Pain Consultants, our surgical team performs permanent SCS implants with precision and care, prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes. Post-implant follow-up and stimulation programming are integral parts of our ongoing care, ensuring your device continues to deliver the best possible results over time.
LEARN MOREHigh-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation (HF-SCS) operates at frequencies significantly higher than traditional SCS — typically at 10,000 Hz — delivering pain relief without the tingling or buzzing sensation (known as paresthesia) that conventional stimulation produces. This paresthesia-free experience makes HF-SCS a preferred option for patients who find traditional stimulation sensations uncomfortable or distracting.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that high-frequency SCS can outperform traditional low-frequency stimulation in treating both back and leg pain, making it particularly effective for patients with complex or widespread chronic pain patterns. It is also well-suited for individuals who are active or change positions frequently, as it maintains consistent coverage regardless of body posture.
At Interventional Pain Consultants, we evaluate each patient's pain profile carefully to determine whether high-frequency stimulation is the most appropriate modality. For the right candidates, HF-SCS offers a natural, sensation-free path to sustained pain relief and improved daily function.
LEARN MOREBurst Spinal Cord Stimulation is a next-generation SCS modality that delivers electrical pulses in closely spaced clusters — or "bursts" — rather than the continuous tonic pattern used in conventional stimulation. This burst pattern more closely mimics the natural firing behavior of neurons, allowing it to engage both the sensory and emotional dimensions of chronic pain more effectively.
Research has shown that burst SCS can be especially beneficial for patients dealing with axial back pain, neuropathic pain, and pain conditions that have an emotional or psychological component. Like high-frequency SCS, burst stimulation can also be delivered without paresthesia, improving patient comfort and acceptance during everyday activities.
Our clinicians at Interventional Pain Consultants take a comprehensive approach to SCS programming, and for eligible patients, burst stimulation represents a powerful addition to our neuromodulation toolkit. By addressing pain on multiple levels, burst SCS can provide deeper and more satisfying relief for those with complex chronic pain presentations.
LEARN MOREDorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation is a specialized form of neuromodulation that targets the dorsal root ganglion — a cluster of sensory nerve cell bodies located along the spinal column that plays a key role in transmitting and amplifying pain signals. By delivering electrical stimulation directly to the DRG, this therapy can precisely modulate pain in specific, hard-to-reach areas of the body that traditional SCS may not adequately address.
DRG stimulation is particularly effective for focal, localized pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), post-surgical pain, groin and pelvic pain, foot and ankle pain, and other neuropathic conditions where pain is confined to a specific region. Its targeted nature means less energy is needed to achieve meaningful relief, reducing the likelihood of unwanted stimulation spread to nearby areas.
At Interventional Pain Consultants, DRG stimulation is offered as part of our advanced neuromodulation program for patients whose pain has not been adequately managed by other interventional or SCS approaches. Our specialists carefully assess candidacy and provide thorough pre- and post-procedure support to ensure each patient achieves the fullest possible benefit from this innovative therapy.
LEARN MOREReducing Pain. Improving Function. Enhancing Quality of Life.