Conditions

Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an advanced treatment for chronic nerve-related pain that has not responded to conventional therapies. It involves gently delivering small electrical impulses to the spinal cord through fine wires (leads/electrodes), which modify the way pain signals are transmitted to the brain.

SCS is most often used for conditions such as:

  • Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome (including Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)
  • Chronic nerve root pain (radiculopathy) in the back or legs
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Neuropathic pain following trauma, surgery, or nerve injury.
  • Neuropathies like painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN)


Patients with neuropathic pain typically describe burning, tingling, or shooting, and it may significantly interfere with sleep, mobility, and mood. Spinal cord stimulation does not “cure” the underlying problem, but it can dramatically reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life, allowing better function and less reliance on medication.

Wessex Pain Clinic

How We Diagnose and Assess Suitability

At Wessex Pain Clinic, our consultants carry out a comprehensive assessment to determine whether spinal cord stimulation is appropriate. This includes:

  • A full medical history and pain assessment to understand your condition and previous treatments
  • Review of imaging (MRI or CT scans)
  • Consideration of psychological factors, as mood, coping style, and expectations all play key roles in treatment success

If SCS may be suitable, we will arrange a trial of stimulation — a short procedure where temporary electrodes are placed under X-ray guidance. The system is tested for approximately 2 weeks to assess the degree of pain relief. Only if the trial provides clear benefit, a permanent stimulator system can be implanted.

Wessex Pain Clinic
Integrated Support
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that spinal cord stimulation is part of a comprehensive plan — combining physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and pain psychology support. We help patients adapt gradually, promoting active recovery and confidence in movement.
The Procedure

Under sedation, thin electrodes are placed through a needle into the epidural space of the spine. These connect to a small pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker), usually implanted under the skin of the abdomen or buttock. The device sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which can reduce or replace pain sensations.

The system is fully adjustable — patients can fine-tune stimulation levels using a handheld controller, adapting to daily needs and activity levels.

Benefits and Expectations
If symptoms persist, we offer image-guided thoracic nerve root blocks — targeted injections of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation around the nerve. In complex or resistant cases, we liaise closely with spinal surgeons for possible decompression procedures when structural compression is confirmed. For persistent cases, radiofrequency modulation may be considered to reduce ongoing nerve irritation.

Our group has extensive spinal cord stimulator experience. Several of our consultants sit on the NHS Spinal cord stimulator meetings to discuss suitable candidates there. If you are considering spinal cord stimulation, we can help both in providing information education and decision making, as well as implantation.

Treatment at Wessex Pain Clinic

Treatments