Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial is a short, reversible test of neuromodulation therapy for people living with complex or refractory chronic pain — most often persistent back and/or leg pain after spinal surgery, or nerve-related pain that has not responded adequately to medication, injections and rehabilitation. Rather than committing straight to a permanent device, the trial lets you and Dr Danesh find out, in real time, whether this therapy meaningfully reduces your pain before any long-term decision is made.

The trial involves placing one or two thin wires (leads) into the epidural space at the back, using X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance and local anaesthetic, as a day procedure. The leads are connected to a small external stimulator that you wear on a belt or in a pouch for approximately five to seven days, delivering gentle electrical pulses that replace or modulate the sensation of pain in the affected area.

During the trial period, you will keep a simple diary of your pain levels, function and activity so that Dr Danesh can objectively assess the benefit. A trial that achieves a meaningful, sustained reduction in pain supports proceeding to a permanent implant; if the benefit is limited, the trial leads are simply removed in the rooms with no lasting effect, and other treatment options are explored instead.