How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Work?

If you’ve been living with chronic pain that just won’t quit, despite medications, physical therapy, or injections, we may have recommended spinal cord stimulation (SCS). But before committing to the full implant, there’s a trial phase — and it’s a big deal.

This trial gives you a chance to “test drive” the therapy and see if it actually works for you. It’s almost like taking a car for a spin before buying it, which is unique for the 

In this blog, Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain walk you through how a spinal cord stimulator trial works, what to expect, and how it can help you decide if this innovative treatment is right for you.

Let’s cover the basics

Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain. We implant a small device near your spine, and it sends those pulses through thin wires (electrodes) placed near the spinal cord.

The goal? To reduce the sensation of pain, often replacing it with a gentle tingling feeling — or, in newer systems, nothing at all. It’s commonly used for conditions like:

• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Post-surgical discomfort
• Heart pain
• Pain after amputation
• Peripheral vascular disease (PAD)
• Abdominal pain
• Perineal pain

Here’s the best part: you don’t have to commit right away. Before placing a permanent device, you’ll try it out first.

Why a trial phase?

The spinal cord stimulator trial is designed to help you and your doctor determine if the therapy will help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

During the trial, we place a temporary device, and you’ll use it for about 3-7 days. If you experience at least 50% pain relief, you may be a good candidate for a permanent implant.

It’s a low-risk way to explore a potentially life-changing option. We implant the temporary stimulator in our office, which typically takes 30-60 minutes. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Prep and anesthesia

You’ll lie on your stomach so we can clean the treatment area and numb your lower back with a local anesthetic. You're awake during the procedure, but completely relaxed. Talk to us about your concerns, and we can discuss sedation options. 

Step 2: Lead placement

Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), we insert thin, flexible leads (wires) through a needle into the epidural space near your spinal cord. These leads connect to an external stimulator you’ll wear on a belt.

Step 3: Testing and adjustment

Once the leads are in place, we turn on the stimulator and ask how it feels. We can adjust the settings until you find the most comfortable and effective pain relief.

Step 4: Trial begins

You’ll head home with the temporary system in place. Over the next few days, we ask you to track your pain levels, note any side effects, and see how the stimulator affects your daily activities. We want to know everything that’s changed (or hasn’t) at your follow-up appointment. 

Dos and don’ts during your spinal cord stimulator trial

Think of the trial as a test run for your new (hopefully improved) daily life. Go about your regular routine, within reason. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities like bending, twisting, or heavy lifting to keep the leads in place. Here are some more rules of thumb. 

Do:

• Take short walks
• Do light household tasks
• Track your pain levels in a journal
• Take note of any improved sleep, mobility, or mood

Don’t:

• Shower (opt for sponge baths)
• Drive while the device is on
• Overdo physical activity

At the end of the trial, you’ll return to your provider to have the leads removed and discuss your results.

After the trial

If the trial was successful and you felt genuine relief, we can move forward with the permanent implant. This involves placing a small pulse generator under your skin, typically in the lower back or buttock area, and permanently implanting the leads.

If the trial didn’t meet your expectations, no worries. We can easily remove the leads and continue working with you to explore other pain relief options.

A spinal cord stimulator trial is a safe, simple way to find out if this cutting-edge treatment can help you regain control over your pain and your life. It’s personalized, adjustable, and most importantly, reversible if it’s not the right fit.

If you’re tired of living with chronic pain and looking for a solution that doesn’t rely on medication alone, a spinal cord stimulation trial might be worth exploring. Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.