How it works
Thin, flexible wires (leads) are placed in the epidural space through a needle, guided precisely by X-ray — much like an epidural injection. They connect to a small generator that delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. The system works around the clock, even while you sleep.
SCS can treat back and leg pain, pelvic pain and other chronic pain conditions, and is often considered when other treatments have failed.
Step 1: the trial
Temporary leads are placed and connected to a portable stimulator programmed to target your pain generator. You go about your normal life with it. At least a 50% reduction in pain during the trial usually means SCS is a good option for you. Most patients with a successful trial choose to move forward with a permanent implant.
Step 2: the permanent implant
If the trial works, the permanent system is placed during a short outpatient procedure.
The systems we use
Nevro HF10® — high-frequency therapy that relieves back and leg pain without the tingling or buzzing (paresthesia) of older systems. It is non-addictive and doesn’t cause side effects like drowsiness or constipation.
Boston Scientific WaveWriter Alpha™ with FAST™ therapy — a non-tingling therapy designed to provide rapid relief rather than taking days to “wash in.” In a Boston Scientific clinical study, patients using FAST went from an average pain score of 6.5 to 1.3 within minutes. FAST uses less energy than other non-tingling therapies, which can mean less charging or a longer battery life.
Dr. Coccaro will help you choose the system that best fits your pain and lifestyle.