A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a medical device used to manage chronic pain by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the perception of pain in targeted areas of the body. The device consists of thin wires, called leads, which are placed near the spinal cord, and a small pulse generator implanted under the skin, usually in the abdomen or buttocks. Patients can adjust the intensity and pattern of the stimulation using a remote control, allowing for personalized pain management.
Spinal cord stimulators are often considered for people whose chronic pain has not responded to more conservative measures. The goal of the device is not to cure the underlying condition but to improve quality of life by reducing pain and increasing the ability to perform daily activities. The sensation from the stimulator is typically described as a tingling or gentle buzzing, which can replace or mask the chronic pain. Because the therapy is adjustable and reversible, it provides a flexible option for managing complex, persistent pain in the spine, limbs, or other affected regions.
