Spinal cord stimulation for back pain: What patients need to know
Spinal cord stimulation for back pain is a treatment option for people living with chronic pain that has not improved with other therapies. This article explains how it works, who it may help and what to expect from treatment.
Spinal cord stimulation for back pain is a specialised treatment designed for individuals who continue to experience chronic pain despite medication, physiotherapy, or surgery. It aims to reduce pain signals before they reach the brain, helping patients regain comfort and enhance daily function.
Consultants may consider spinal cord stimulation for back pain when other treatments have not provided lasting relief. While it does not remove the cause of pain, it can significantly reduce pain levels and help people return to everyday activities with greater confidence.
Who may benefit from spinal cord stimulation for back pain?
Spinal cord stimulation for back pain may suit patients with several long-term pain conditions, particularly when standard treatments no longer help. These may include:
- Chronic back pain after surgery, where further surgery is unlikely to help
- Persistent neck pain
- Chronic leg or arm pain linked to nerve irritation
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Arachnoiditis
- Pain related to peripheral vascular disease
- Specific pain symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis
- Angina that does not respond to other treatments
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, medical history and previous treatments before discussing whether spinal cord stimulation for back pain is appropriate.
What is a spinal cord stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is a small medical device implanted beneath the skin by a surgeon. Fine wires connect the device to the epidural space near the spinal nerves. Once activated, the stimulator transmits gentle electrical signals that disrupt pain messages travelling to the brain.
Spinal cord stimulation for back pain works by masking pain rather than eliminating it. Since pain levels and responses vary from person to person, each patient experiences the therapy differently. Many patients report a reduction in pain of up to 70 per cent, although outcomes differ.
Experiencing symptoms?
If you are experiencing symptoms related to nerve compression, the London Neurosurgery Partnership can guide you on the next steps.
Trial period for spinal cord stimulation for back pain
Before proceeding with permanent implantation, patients undergo a trial period. During this stage, the consultant places temporary electrodes to assess how well spinal cord stimulation for back pain reduces symptoms.
The trial allows both the patient and consultant to decide whether the treatment provides a meaningful benefit. If pain reduction is significant and the patient feels comfortable, the consultant may recommend proceeding with permanent implantation.
How spinal cord stimulation surgery works
During the procedure, the surgical team uses sedation and X-ray guidance to place electrode wires into the epidural space. The surgeon creates space for the wires using a small laminotomy and carefully secures them in place.
The patient remains briefly awake during surgery, so the team can test stimulation and adjust settings as needed. Once the team confirms correct positioning, the surgeon implants the generator under the skin, usually near the buttock, and connects it to the electrodes. The surgeon then closes the incision and transfers the patient to the recovery area.
Recovery after spinal cord stimulation for back pain
After surgery, patients receive clear guidance on recovery and wound care. Most advice focuses on protecting the implant during healing, including avoiding heavy lifting, bending or twisting during the early recovery period.
Consultants also advise patients to avoid smoking or nicotine products, as these can impact healing. Before discharge, the clinical team explains how to operate the stimulator and safely adjust its settings. Follow-up appointments enable the consultant to monitor progress and optimise pain management.
Frequently asked questions
Does spinal cord stimulation for back pain remove pain completely?
No. The treatment reduces pain signals but does not eliminate pain. Most patients aim for meaningful improvement rather than complete relief.
Will I still need pain medication?
Some patients continue medication at lower doses. The goal is often to reduce reliance on medication rather than stop it completely.