Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Spinal Cord Stimulation services offered in Humble and Baytown, TX

At Interventional Sports and Pain Management Associates in Baytown and Humble, Texas, we provide advanced orthopedic options to help support recovery and mobility. One of the therapies available in our office is a regenerative medicine approach, often referred to as Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Spinal Cord Stimulation Q&A

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a therapy that uses a small implanted device to deliver mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses adjust how pain signals are transmitted to the brain, which may reduce the sensation of pain for some patients.

What conditions may be considered for SCS?

SCS is generally considered for patients with chronic pain that has not improved with other treatments.

Examples include:

Persistent back or leg pain following surgery (“failed back surgery syndrome”)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Nerve-related pain (neuropathy)
Certain types of chronic pain in the trunk or limbs

How does the process work?

Treatment typically begins with a trial period. A temporary stimulator is placed under the skin, allowing you and your physician to evaluate how well it manages your pain. If the trial is successful, a permanent device may then be implanted in a separate procedure.

What does the procedure involve?

The implant is placed under the skin in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Small leads are positioned near the spinal cord and connected to a pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker.

What can I expect after the procedure?

Most patients go home the same day. Recovery usually involves a short healing period with activity restrictions. Each person’s response is different, and your doctor will provide guidance on when to return to regular activities.

Is Spinal Cord Stimulation safe?

SCS has been used for many years and is considered safe when performed by an experienced specialist. As with any procedure, risks exist, including infection, bleeding, device complications, or lack of desired pain relief. These will be discussed thoroughly before treatment.

Will my insurance cover Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, may provide coverage for SCS if certain criteria are met. Coverage varies, and our office will work with your insurer to confirm benefits.

Who is a candidate for SCS?

Patients who may benefit from SCS often have chronic pain that has not responded to conservative treatments or prior surgery. A detailed evaluation and the results of the trial period help determine candidacy.

How is Spinal Cord Stimulation different from other pain management treatments?

Unlike medications or injections that work by reducing inflammation or blocking pain temporarily, SCS targets the way pain signals travel to the brain. The device delivers mild electrical impulses that may change how those signals are perceived, offering another approach when other treatments have not been effective. It does not remove the source of pain, but it may help reduce the intensity of pain and improve the quality of life for some patients.

Next step:

If you’d like to learn more about Spinal Cord Stimulation and whether it may be an option for you, please contact our office in Humble at 281-570-2961 or Baytown at 832-514-6300 to schedule a consultation and discuss whether this therapy may be an option for you.