When Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Considered for Chronic Pain?

Living with chronic pain can make even simple daily tasks feel impossible. If you have tried physical therapy, medications, and injections without relief, you might wonder about your next steps.

At Georgia Pain Management in Woodstock, GA, Dr. James Ellner helps patients find lasting relief. For many people dealing with severe, ongoing nerve pain, spinal cord stimulation is an advanced option worth considering. 

This therapy does not just mask pain; it targets the electrical signals traveling to your brain. We use this minimally invasive approach to help you regain control of your life.

Who is a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation?

A good candidate for spinal cord stimulation is someone with chronic nerve pain who has not found relief from conservative treatments. This therapy is best suited for pain linked to irritated or misfiring nerves.

In a 2024 analysis of 1,561 adults with chronic back or leg pain, stimulation reduced functional disability more than medical management after six months. Your emotional health can also affect how you feel pain. Thus, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine recommends screening for depression before starting therapy to ensure the best outcome. 

At our Woodstock, GA clinic, we offer specialized care for conditions like diabetic neuropathy and sciatica. We work closely with you to ensure you meet all safety guidelines before moving forward.

How does the temporary trial phase work?

The temporary trial phase for spinal cord stimulation lets you test-drive the device for about a week to see if it adequately reduces your pain. This is a unique, fully reversible step that helps us predict your success. 

In a 2025 study of 505 adults undergoing trials, 86.1% of patients achieved trial success, meaning their pain was cut at least in half. The same study showed that long-term success varied by diagnosis, with diabetic neuropathy patients achieving an 83.3% success rate. 

During your trial, our team guides you through tracking your daily pain levels. We only recommend a permanent implant if the trial successfully reduces your discomfort.

What should you expect long-term?

Long-term, a spinal cord stimulator can significantly reduce your pain, but it requires realistic expectations and ongoing management. It is a tool to manage pain, not a permanent cure. 

A 2023 systematic review of 699 adults noted that high-quality trials have not measured the device's superiority over placebo beyond 12 months. Additionally, about 14.1% of patients in the 2025 retrospective study eventually had their devices removed. Smoking and chronic opioid use predicted higher removal rates. 

We focus on comprehensive chronic pain management to support you for the long haul. Dr. James Ellner provides ongoing programming adjustments to keep your device working effectively. 

If you are tired of living with constant nerve pain, it is time to explore your options. Our compassionate team is here to help you find the right path forward. 

To learn more about spinal cord stimulation and other minimally invasive treatments, contact our team at Georgia Pain Management today to schedule a consultation.