What It’s Really Like Living With a Spinal Cord Stimulator
What It’s Really Like Living With a Spinal Cord Stimulator
Key takeaways
- Daily life with a spinal cord stimulator involves some adjustments—like avoiding certain motions, turning the device off during activities like driving, and recharging the battery if applicable.
- Spinal cord stimulators offer pain relief for conditions like diabetic neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic musculoskeletal pain when other treatments fall short.
- The process starts with a short trial period to see if electrical stimulation reduces your pain before moving forward with permanent implantation.
- After surgery, recovery includes limited activity, device calibration, and a gradual return to physical therapy and everyday routines.
- While it doesn’t cure the underlying cause, for those living with chronic or severe pain caused by nerve damage or spinal conditions, spinal cord stimulation may provide meaningful relief.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) isn’t just a treatment—it’s a new way of living for many people managing chronic pain. It works by disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain, which can significantly alter how pain feels day to day.
From diabetic neuropathy—often caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels—to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and persistent back or neck pain, spinal cord stimulators are increasingly being used when conventional medical management fails to provide relief.
But what’s daily life like with one of these devices?
In this article, we’ll walk through what to expect—from the initial trial period to long-term use. You’ll learn how spinal cord stimulators help relieve pain, what changes to prepare for, and how people live more fully with this small but powerful medical device.
Before the implant: Understanding the trial period
Before you can receive a permanent stimulator, your healthcare provider will recommend a trial period—a short phase to test whether spinal cord stimulation is a good fit for your pain condition. This trial involves a minimally invasive procedure where temporary leads are placed along your spinal cord and connected to an external pulse generator.
Over several days, you’ll assess whether this approach helps reduce pain levels. Many patients report a noticeable drop in pain intensity, particularly with chronic back pain, nerve-related conditions like diabetic neuropathy, or post-surgical pain syndromes such as surgery syndrome.
In addition to pain relief, some also notice changes in other symptoms—like numbness, tingling, or mobility limitations—which can help gauge the stimulator’s overall impact.
During the trial phase, you’ll need to avoid water exposure—including baths, showers, or swimming. That’s because the stimulator’s external components aren’t waterproof. You may also need to limit physical activity and bending movements to prevent dislodging the leads.
What to expect after permanent implantation
If the trial is successful, your doctor may recommend permanent implantation. The procedure typically takes place under sedation or light anesthesia and is considered a minor surgical procedure. A small incision is made to place the pulse generator (usually in the lower back or buttock area), and the leads are implanted along the spinal cord.
Recovery involves:
- Limited activity for the first few weeks
- Incision site care
- Gradual return to light movement and physical therapy
You may also work with your pain management specialist to adjust the stimulation settings as your body adapts to the device. Most people describe the resulting sensati
Everyday life with a spinal cord stimulator for neuropathy
For many people, spinal cord stimulation improves quality of life by helping relieve pain enough to make everyday tasks feel manageable again. It doesn’t treat the underlying cause, and it won’t completely eliminate all symptoms, but it can reduce pain to a level that allows for more movement and independence.
Daily routine adjustments include:
- Recharging your battery-powered device (if it’s a rechargeable model)
- Avoiding activities that involve twisting, bending at the waist, or high-impact sports
- Attending follow-up visits to adjust settings or check the device’s battery life
Depending on your stimulator type, you may need to charge it daily or weekly. Some models are non-rechargeable but require surgical replacement after several years.
Find out if you are a candidate
What you can and can’t do: Frequently asked questions
Let’s address some of the most common questions people have after implantation:
Can I have X-rays or CT scans?
Yes—most imaging tests are safe as long as the stimulator is turned off. Always let your technician or doctor know you have a spinal cord stimulator before any scan.
Are MRIs safe?
Not always. Some newer stimulator models are MRI-conditional (meaning they can be safely scanned under specific conditions), but safety depends on the specific manufacturer, model, and scan parameters.
Your healthcare provider will need to check whether your device meets the criteria for MRI compatibility. If your device is not MRI-conditional, MRIs can pose serious safety risks due to the device's metal components and electrical circuits.
If an MRI is medically necessary, your pain management specialist and radiologist will work together to determine if it can be performed safely with your specific stimulator.
Will it set off airport security?
Yes, most likely. You’ll receive an ID card from your physician that you can present at checkpoints. Some people experience mild discomfort from interference, so it’s best to power the device off before going through scanners.
Can I drive with it on?
No. You should always turn off your spinal cord stimulator before operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Sudden changes in stimulation levels can cause distraction or muscle twitching.
Is swimming okay?
Swimming, showering, and bathing are generally fine after the permanent implant has healed. However, you’ll need to avoid these during the trial phase when external wires are in place.
What patients commonly experience with spinal cord stimulation
Many people experience major improvements after getting a spinal cord stimulator. Others may find the relief less dramatic. Outcomes vary depending on the pain disorder, location of nerve damage, and how the central nervous system responds to the stimulation.
Commonly reported benefits include:
- Reduction in chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Decreased reliance on pain medications
- Better sleep, mobility, and mental health
- Improved engagement with physical therapy or complementary and integrative health programs
Pain specialists often use spinal cord stimulation alongside other treatments for managing pain—like physical medicine, behavioral therapy, or relaxation techniques—to support whole-body wellness.
What to expect years down the road
Living with a spinal cord stimulator means regular check-ins with your healthcare provider, occasional device adjustments, and planning ahead when you travel or undergo procedures.
You may also need to replace the battery or entire system every few years, depending on how often you use it. The good news? Most patients can continue living full lives with very few restrictions once they adjust.
If for any reason the device no longer works effectively or causes increased pain, it can be safely removed—though that’s uncommon with today’s advanced spinal cord stimulator models.
Is spinal cord stimulation right for you?
If you’re dealing with chronic conditions like neuropathic pain, low back pain, muscle pain, or even less common disorders like tension headaches or rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord stimulation may be one of several treatment options to consider. While it won’t reverse tissue damage or stop the underlying disease, it may reduce your pain levels enough to restore movement and improve how you feel.
Always speak with a qualified pain medicine specialist to weigh the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Most insurance providers—including Medicare—cover spinal cord stimulation if conservative therapies have failed.
Taking the next step in chronic pain relief and management
Chronic pain conditions like neuropathy and CRPS can affect people of all ages, often making it difficult to work, stay active, or get restful sleep. For those living with persistent pain, especially when other treatments haven’t worked, spinal cord stimulation may offer a new path forward.
Living with a spinal cord stimulator does require some adjustments. But for many, it becomes a way to regain control, improve mobility, and reclaim quality of life—not by erasing pain completely but by making it more manageable.
If you’re exploring alternative treatment options or simply want to manage chronic pain without relying solely on over-the-counter or prescription drugs, a spinal cord stimulator might be worth discussing with your doctor.
To learn more, take our free neuropathy risk assessment or find a doctor near you.
