What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is an implantable medical device designed to reduce chronic pain by modifying how pain signals are transmitted to the brain. The system delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which interfere with pain signals before they are perceived—helping reduce pain intensity without relying on medications or repeated injections.
Spinal cord stimulation is most commonly considered for patients with chronic nerve-related pain who have not achieved adequate relief from conservative care, injections, or surgery. Because this therapy is not appropriate for every type of pain, careful evaluation and patient selection are essential.
At Southern California Injury Treatment Center, spinal cord stimulator implantation is offered as part of a comprehensive, evidence-based pain management program. Patients seeking the best spinal cord stimulator treatment in Chino Hills trust our team for thoughtful evaluation and advanced neuromodulation care.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
Spinal cord stimulation works by altering the way pain signals travel through the nervous system. Instead of pain signals reaching the brain at full intensity, the stimulator modifies or dampens those signals, which can significantly reduce pain perception.
Because outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis and appropriate candidacy, evaluation is a critical first step.
This therapy may:
Reduce chronic nerve-related pain
Improve sleep and quality of life
Improve daily function and mobility
Provide long-term pain control for selected patients
Decrease reliance on pain medications
What Conditions May Benefit From a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Spinal cord stimulation is typically considered for chronic pain conditions where nerve involvement plays a central role and other treatments have failed to provide lasting relief.
Conditions that may benefit include:
- Chronic back or leg pain after spine surgery
- Persistent nerve pain (radiculopathy or neuropathic pain)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Chronic pain following injury or trauma
- Pain that has not responded to injections or medications
A comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether spinal cord stimulation is appropriate and likely to be effective.
What to Expect During a Spinal Cord Stimulator Evaluation in Chino Hills
Evaluation for spinal cord stimulation focuses on confirming the source of pain, assessing prior treatments, and determining whether neuromodulation is a suitable option. Because this therapy involves implantation, careful screening is essential.
During your evaluation, you can expect:
- Detailed review of pain history and prior treatments
- Assessment of pain pattern and nerve involvement
- Review of imaging or diagnostic findings
- Discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Determination of candidacy for trial stimulation
- Clear explanation of next steps if appropriate
Most patients undergo a temporary trial before permanent implantation to assess effectiveness.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Neuromodulation
Spinal cord stimulation is most effective when integrated into a coordinated care plan. At SCITC, neuromodulation decisions are supported by collaboration across pain management, neurology, and orthopedic care when appropriate.
Depending on your condition, care may include:
- Temporary spinal cord stimulator trial
- Permanent implantation if the trial is successful
- Ongoing device programming and optimization
- Coordination with other pain or injury-related treatments
- Long-term follow-up to monitor outcomes
This comprehensive approach is why many patients consider SCITC among the best neuromodulation and spinal cord stimulator centers in Chino Hills.
FAQs About Spinal Cord Stimulators
Where to Get the Best Spinal Cord Stimulator Treatment in Chino Hills
If chronic nerve pain persists despite other treatments, Southern California Injury Treatment Center offers comprehensive evaluation and spinal cord stimulator implantation focused on long-term pain relief and improved function.
Conveniently located in Chino Hills, SCITC serves patients throughout San Bernardino County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County. With multidisciplinary expertise and patient-centered care, we’re trusted by individuals seeking the best spinal cord stimulator treatment in Chino Hills.
Ready to explore advanced neuromodulation options for chronic pain?
Book an appointment today to schedule your spinal cord stimulator evaluation.
