For many patients, pain becomes more than just a symptom — it becomes a way of life. When medications, physical therapy, or even surgery fail to provide relief, it’s often because the pain isn’t coming from where you think.

Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is different from muscle or joint pain. Instead of being caused by inflammation or injury to bones and soft tissues, it’s caused by damage or dysfunction within the nervous system itself — the body’s network for sending and receiving pain signals. When those signals misfire, they can cause severe, persistent pain even when no visible injury remains.

Living with chronic nerve pain can feel defeating. Many patients have “tried everything” — from medications and injections to physical therapy — yet still wake up each day in pain. It’s exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

That’s where innovation in modern medicine offers new hope.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive therapy that can help patients manage even the most persistent forms of nerve pain. By interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain, this treatment can dramatically reduce or even eliminate chronic discomfort, helping patients regain control of their lives.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in advanced, non-addictive, and evidence-based pain management. Our goal is not just to mask symptoms but to restore quality of life — helping you move, sleep, and live with less pain and more freedom.

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)?

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a small, implantable device that delivers gentle electrical impulses to specific areas of the spinal cord. These electrical signals interfere with or “mask” abnormal pain messages before they reach the brain, reducing the sensation of pain.

The stimulator itself is about the size of a pocket watch and is placed just beneath the skin, typically near the lower back or abdomen. Thin wires (called leads) are positioned along the spinal cord, where they deliver precise, adjustable stimulation to target the nerves causing your pain.

The Technology Behind It

Today’s spinal cord stimulators are nothing like those of the past — they’re smart, customizable, and designed for long-term comfort.

• Programmable & Adjustable: Your SCS can be finely tuned to your body’s needs. During follow-up appointments, Medici’s specialists can easily adjust settings to maximize relief and minimize any unwanted sensations.
• Rechargeable Batteries: Most modern systems are rechargeable, allowing for years of continuous use with simple, at-home charging.
• Wireless Connectivity: Many devices can be adjusted remotely, providing flexibility and convenience for patients who may not need to visit the office for every small change.
• Tailored Stimulation Patterns: The device can deliver multiple waveforms or programs — meaning your therapy can evolve as your condition improves.

How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works

The Two-Step Process

Trial Phase

Before moving forward with a permanent implant, patients first complete a one-week trial period with a temporary spinal cord stimulator. This allows you — and your care team — to see firsthand how well the therapy works for your pain.

During the trial:

• A temporary stimulator is placed externally, using a small set of leads (thin wires) positioned near the spinal cord.
• The device sends gentle electrical impulses to calm nerve signals responsible for your pain.
• You’ll track your pain levels, mobility, and sleep quality throughout the week.

Permanent Implant

If your trial provides successful results — typically a 50% or greater reduction in pain — the next step is a permanent implant procedure.

This involves:

• Placing a small device (similar in size to a watch) beneath the skin, usually in the lower back or abdomen.
• Connecting it to thin, flexible leads that deliver precise electrical impulses to the spinal cord.
• Programming the device to your specific pain patterns for maximum relief and comfort.

The system can be adjusted over time to ensure your therapy remains effective as your needs evolve. Most patients describe the sensation as soothing — and many modern systems can provide complete pain relief without any tingling at all.

Procedure and Recovery

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, both the trial and permanent procedures are minimally invasive and performed in a comfortable, outpatient setting.

Here’s what you can expect:

• The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia or mild sedation, meaning there’s no need for general anesthesia or lengthy hospital stays.
• It usually takes less than two hours, and patients can return home the same day.
• Recovery time is short, with most patients resuming normal activities within just a few days.

You’ll be provided with detailed instructions for post-procedure care, and our medical team will follow up closely to ensure everything is healing properly and your device is working optimally.

Results and Long-Term Benefits

Spinal cord stimulation has transformed pain management for thousands of patients worldwide — and at Medici, we’re proud to offer this lifesaving, life-changing technology to our community.

For properly selected candidates, SCS offers:

• Up to 80% reduction in chronic nerve pain
• Improved mobility and function — allowing patients to move, walk, and exercise with confidence again
• Better sleep and mood thanks to reduced pain levels
• Decreased dependence on pain medications or opioids
• Enhanced quality of life — a return to doing the things you love without being held back by chronic discomfort

Are You a Candidate for a Nerve Stimulator?

Ideal Candidates

You may be a strong candidate for spinal cord stimulator therapy if you’ve been living with chronic nerve pain for six months or longer that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments.

SCS is particularly effective for patients whose pain originates from nerve-related conditions, such as:

• Sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy — pain radiating down the leg caused by nerve compression in the lower back.
• Diabetic neuropathy — nerve pain in the feet and legs due to diabetes.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — a chronic, severe pain condition following an injury or surgery.
• Post-surgical or post-laminectomy pain — persistent pain after spine surgery (sometimes called failed back surgery syndrome).

When It Might Not Be the Right Option

While spinal cord stimulation is safe and effective for most patients, there are certain circumstances where it may not be recommended. You may not be an ideal candidate if:

• You have uncontrolled diabetes or an active infection near the implant site, which could interfere with healing.
• You have psychological factors — such as untreated depression or anxiety — that could affect your ability to manage or benefit from the device.
• Your pain is purely muscular or inflammatory, rather than neuropathic (nerve-based). In these cases, other targeted treatments may be more effective.

The Medici Evaluation Process

Before determining whether spinal cord stimulation is right for you, our team performs a comprehensive evaluation. This process allows us to understand the full picture of your pain, your medical history, and your goals for treatment.

Here’s what you can expect:

• In-depth consultation and pain history: We take time to discuss your symptoms, when they began, and how they’ve affected your life.
• Physical examination and diagnostic testing: Advanced imaging and nerve function studies may be used to pinpoint the exact source of your pain.
• Review of previous treatments: We assess what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why.
• Collaborative care planning: Our pain management physicians, spine specialists, and rehabilitation experts work together to determine whether spinal cord stimulation is an appropriate option — or if another minimally invasive therapy might be better suited to your needs.

Relief Is Closer Than You Think

Chronic nerve pain doesn’t have to control your life. If you’ve been told there’s nothing more that can be done — there is hope.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is helping thousands of patients experience life-changing relief, restoring mobility, and giving them back the freedom they thought they had lost.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in identifying the right treatment for each individual. Our team will guide you every step of the way — from diagnosis to recovery — with expertise, compassion, and care.

Schedule Your Nerve Pain Consultation Today

📍 Clinic Locations:
Marietta Ambulatory Surgery Center: 792 Church Street, Unit 101, Marietta, GA 30060 – (470) 795-8398
Snellville Ambulatory Surgery Center: 2220 Wisteria Dr, Unit 100, Snellville, GA 30078 – (470) 795-8398
Kennesaw Clinic: 2911 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 50, Kennesaw, GA 30144 – (770) 545-6404
Buckhead PM&R: 3200 Downwood Circle, NW, Suite 520, Atlanta, GA 30327 – (770) 872-7549

🌐 Visit: www.mediciortho.com
📞 Call: 1-844-328-4624
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