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Find a Doctor: Spinal Cord Stimulator Doctors Near Me in New York
If you’re living with chronic neuropathy pain that hasn’t responded to medications, physical therapy, or other treatments, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be the next step.
Our New York-based neuropathy specialists provide advanced care for peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and other nerve-related pain conditions. One of the most effective methods available is spinal cord stimulation therapy—a minimally invasive surgery that can offer lasting relief when other treatments haven’t worked.
To learn whether the spinal cord stimulation procedure is right for you, connect with a neuropathy doctor near you in New York.
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What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a surgically implanted device to send mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses help interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain.
SCS therapy is a common approach for managing chronic pain, especially when physical therapy, medication therapy, or epidural steroid injections haven’t provided enough relief. It’s part of a broader treatment plan that targets the source of nerve signals causing pain.
Spinal cord stimulation can be especially helpful for neuropathic pain in the legs, feet, or lower back caused by nerve damage.
What are the benefits of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathy?
Many patients in New York choose spinal cord stimulation therapy because it:
- Offers long-term pain relief without relying solely on pain medications
- Can be customized to match your pain levels and affected areas
- Is reversible and minimally invasive
- Helps patients move more easily and get back to daily activities
What happens during the spinal cord stimulator procedure?
Spinal cord stimulation treatment involves both a trial and a permanent implant procedure. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: SCS trial period
A pain management specialist places temporary leads in the epidural space near your spinal nerves. These leads connect to an external device worn for about a week to test pain relief.
Step 2: Evaluation
If the trial reduces your pain, your doctor may recommend moving forward with the full surgery.
Step 3: Permanent implant
The specialist makes a small incision and uses local anesthetic to implant the pulse generator and permanent leads, typically in the same spot as the trial.
Step 4: Recovery
Patients often go home the same day and resume light activity within a few days. Full recovery takes a few weeks.
Step 5: Follow-up visits
Your New York care team will monitor your progress and adjust the settings as needed to improve relief and manage pain.
What conditions are treated with spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation therapy is commonly used to treat pain linked to various neurological conditions, especially when other approaches haven’t worked. It’s typically performed in an operating room using minimally invasive techniques, with most patients spending a short time in recovery before going home the same day.
- Peripheral neuropathy, especially with leg pain or muscle weakness
- Painful diabetic neuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
- Nerve root compression or post-laminectomy syndrome
- Ischemic pain or post-amputation pain
- Phantom limb pain
Leads are typically placed in the same location as the initial trial to ensure continuity and effective relief.
Neuropathy and Spinal Cord Stimulation in New York: FAQs
Does spinal cord stimulation help with neuropathy?
Yes. Spinal cord stimulation therapy is frequently used to manage chronic neuropathy pain—especially when standard treatments haven’t worked. This minimally invasive, non-opioid approach has helped many patients improve their quality of life.
Can spinal cord stimulation help with diabetic neuropathy?
It can. Spinal cord stimulation is increasingly used for painful diabetic neuropathy in the feet or legs. If you’re in New York and living with diabetes-related nerve pain, talk to a local specialist about whether you’re a candidate.
What kind of doctor should I see for a spinal cord stimulator procedure?
Doctors who specialize in spinal cord stimulation include:
- Pain management specialists
- Interventional spine or nerve physicians
- Neurosurgeons or anesthesiologists with expertise in SCS procedures
Look for a New York healthcare provider who offers interventional pain management options and has experience with spinal cord stimulation treatment.
How do doctors minimize risks during the SCS procedure?
New York providers rely on image-guided tools, small incisions, and sterile dressing techniques to minimize potential complications. Working with an experienced doctor helps ensure a safer, more effective procedure.
Does spinal cord stimulation require general anesthesia?
Not always. Most spinal cord stimulator procedures are done using local anesthesia with sedation, not full general anesthesia. This means you’re relaxed and comfortable but still breathing on your own.
- Trial procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation.
- Permanent implants may be done with either local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the provider’s approach, your health status, and comfort level.
Your New York care team will walk you through the anesthesia plan based on your medical history and preferences.
What is the success rate of spinal cord stimulators?
Clinical studies show that SCS treatment provides significant pain relief for 50% to 70% of patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Outcomes often depend on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the underlying cause of the pain, and the experience of the treating specialist.
Who is not a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
You may not be eligible for SCS if you:
Have untreated psychological conditions
Are not medically cleared for minor surgery
Have active infections or are at risk for infection
Do not experience meaningful relief during the trial procedure
What is the most common complication of the spinal cord stimulator?
The most common issue is lead migration, where the implanted leads shift slightly from their original position. Other potential complications include minor skin irritation or infection at the surgical site.
Fortunately, these risks are low—and your doctor takes every precaution to prevent them, including using image-guided placement and strict sterile techniques during the procedure. If any issues do arise, they’re typically easy to correct with follow-up care.
What are the side effects of spinal cord stimulation?
Most people tolerate spinal cord stimulation well, but a few may notice minor effects, such as:
- A mild tingling sensation (known as paresthesia)
- Temporary soreness or sensitivity near the implant site
- Gradual changes in how well the stimulation works
These side effects are typically mild and easy to manage. Your New York care team will monitor your progress closely and make adjustments if needed to keep you comfortable and ensure the device continues to work effectively.
Is a spinal cord stimulator like a TENS unit?
Not exactly. Both devices use electrical stimulation, but they work in different ways and serve different purposes:
- Spinal cord stimulator: A surgically implanted device that delivers targeted electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. It’s typically used for chronic nerve-related pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit: A non-invasive, external device that sends mild electrical currents through the skin to stimulate muscles and surface nerves. TENS therapy is generally used for temporary relief of muscle pain or tension, not deep nerve pain.
How painful is spinal cord stimulator surgery?
Most patients report that the procedure itself is not very painful. It’s done using local anesthesia with sedation, so you’ll be relaxed and won’t feel pain during the surgery. Afterward, you may experience some mild soreness or discomfort at the incision sites, but this usually improves within a few days.
Recovery is generally well-tolerated, and your care team will guide you on how to stay comfortable as you heal.
How long does it take to recover from spinal cord stimulator surgery?
Recovery typically takes a few weeks. Many patients return to light activity within days. Your care team in New York will provide a tailored recovery plan.
What are the drawbacks of spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation comes with a few things to consider, but most are easy to manage with the right care and guidance.
- Insurance coverage varies: This means out-of-pocket costs can differ. Many patients find coverage through Medicare or private insurance.
- Not every trial is successful: The temporary trial period allows you to test the therapy before committing to the permanent implant.
- Battery replacement may be needed every few years, depending on the device: It’s a quick outpatient procedure that doesn’t require hospital stay.
- As with any surgery, there’s a small risk of complications: These are rare and your care team will take steps to minimize them.
Overall, many patients feel the long-term pain relief outweighs these potential challenges—especially after other treatments haven’t worked.
Will I have to avoid certain activities after getting a spinal cord stimulator?
Your specialist will go over any long-term precautions based on your specific device and health history. In general, patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities—like running or contact sports—and to be cautious with certain imaging procedures like MRIs, unless the stimulator is MRI-compatible.
Most people can return to normal routines with just a few simple adjustments.
Does insurance cover spinal cord stimulation?
Yes. Most insurance providers—including Medicare and many private plans—cover spinal cord stimulation when other treatments haven’t worked and the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Your New York clinic can help verify coverage and handle prior authorization if required.
Will I need prior authorization from my insurance company?
Often, yes. Insurance companies usually require documentation showing that conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy were attempted first. Your doctor will submit your medical history, diagnostic imaging, and results from the trial procedure if applicable.
What if my insurance doesn’t fully cover the procedure?
If coverage is denied or limited, your New York provider may help appeal the decision or offer payment plan options. Some clinics also assist with financing to make spinal cord stimulation more accessible.
Next steps
If you’re looking for spinal cord stimulator doctors near you or exploring interventional pain management in New York, schedule a consultation today. Our team can help you decide if spinal cord stimulation is the right treatment option based on your condition, medical history, and pain levels.
