Spinal Cord Stimulation Implant

A spinal cord stimulation implant involves the insertion of a device that uses low-voltage electrical stimulation of the spinal nerves to block the feeling of pain. The stimulator delivers mild electric current to your spinal nerves through leads connected to a surgically implanted device under your skin.

The stimulation is also called neuromodulation. When activated, it feels like a mild tingling in the area where the current is flowing. You feel less pain because the electrical current interrupts pain signals and keeps them from reaching your brain.

UPMC experts use the latest devices and techniques for spinal cord stimulation. These implants help relieve chronic, severe pain and restore quality of life.

Find the Right Care For You

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is also known as neuromodulation. It uses a mild electrical current to interrupt pain signals and prevent them from reaching your brain. A device delivers an electrical current to your spinal nerves through wires connected to a pulse generator under your skin.

Is spinal cord stimulator implantation a major surgery?

Spinal cord stimulator implantation is a minimally invasive and safe procedure. However, doctors consider it a major surgery because it involves placing leads near your spinal cord. Following all your doctor’s instructions is crucial to reduce your risk of complications.

Conditions we treat with spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulators can help with pain from a variety of spinal issues.

These include:

• Back or neck pain, including back pain that has not improved after surgery.
• Complex regional pain syndrome.
• Nerve damage due to diabetes or other conditions.
• Other types of pain that have not responded to other treatments.

Why Would I Need Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation may be an option for patients with severe, chronic pain. This type of pain is typically associated with sciatica, unsuccessful back surgery, or nerve pain.

Spinal cord stimulation may:

• Reduce your risk for brain and nervous system changes caused by living with severe, chronic pain.
• Reduce your need for pain medicine, including opioids or over-the-counter medicines.
• Relieve pain that has not responded to other types of treatment.
• Restore your quality of life.

Who is a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?

You may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if other surgical and nonsurgical treatments have not helped to control your pain.

Alternatives to spinal cord stimulation

Alternatives to spinal cord stimulation include: 

• Heat or ice.
• Nerve blocks.
• Pain medication or muscle relaxers.
• Physical therapy.
• Steroid injections.
• Surgical procedures to treat the cause of your pain.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

As with any medical procedure, spinal cord stimulation comes with some risks.

Possible complications include:

• Cerebrospinal fluid leak.
• Infection or bleeding at the insertion site.
• Problems with leads.
• Issues with the pulse generator.
• Reduced pain relief over time.
• Side effects, such as tingling or numbness, that cause discomfort.

What Should I Expect From Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Before: How to prepare for a spinal cord stimulation implant

Before your procedure, you will meet with your care team and have a physical exam. You may need to visit multiple experts to make sure you are a candidate for the procedure.

Your care team may order tests, such as:

• Blood or urine tests — These studies to check that you are healthy enough for the procedure. They also look for signs of illness or infection.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) — This test records the electrical activity of your heart. It shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage. EKGs are often performed before a procedure to ensure your heart is healthy and identify potential problems.
• MRI — This imaging study combines large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer. It produces detailed images of organs and structures within your body.
• X-ray — Your doctor may order an x-ray to learn more about the bones and tissues in your spine.

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:

• Fast for a certain period before the procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you need to fast or how long to fast (usually overnight).
• Have any tests that your doctor requires. For example, your doctor may request a blood test before the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.
• Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to medicines, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
• Tell your doctor about all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have any other health conditions. Your care team may need to take certain precautions during surgery for your safety.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medicines before the procedure.

On the day of your procedure, bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.

Spinal cord stimulation implants usually require two separate procedures. First, a trial procedure to see if the stimulation device helps to decrease your pain. Next, a full implantation surgery if your trial is successful.

The trial period typically lasts about one week. It is successful if it reduces your pain by 50% or more.

The trial procedure is usually outpatient; you can return home on the same day. You may spend one or more nights in the hospital after your implantation surgery. For both procedures, you must arrange for someone to drive you home after the care team discharges you.

How long does a spinal cord stimulation implantation take?

A spinal cord stimulation trial procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. The trial itself takes about a week to complete. The full implantation procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours. 

During your spinal cord stimulation implant procedure

A surgeon will do your spinal cord stimulation implant in two stages. First, a trial, and if successful, a full implantation procedure.

Spinal cord stimulation trial

During the trial, your care team will:

1. Give you light sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your surgeon’s assessment. You will not feel any pain during the procedure.
2. Use a type of x-ray called fluoroscopy. This lets your surgeon see where to put the stimulator leads in real-time.
3. Make a small incision in your back and insert a temporary lead into the epidural space in your spine. This is between the outer membrane surrounding your spinal cord and the ligaments inside your spine.
4. Leave one end of the lead outside your body and connect it to the pulse generator.
5. Attach the pulse generator and lead to your skin.
6. Program and test the stimulator to make sure it works.

After your procedure, your surgeon will close your incision. They will make sure your condition is stable.

After a week or so, your doctor will meet with you to see if the stimulator has helped to control your pain. If your pain drops by half or more, your doctor will schedule a full implantation procedure.

Permanent spinal cord stimulation implant

During the implantation procedure, your care team will:

1. Give you general anesthesia so you do not feel any pain during the procedure.
2. Make an incision in your back.
3. Use x-ray imaging guidance to place permanent leads in the same area as your temporary leads. They will remove your temporary leads.
4. Thread the permanent leads under your skin to where they plan to implant the pulse generator. It is usually near your waistline in your abdomen or buttock, where you can reach it.
5. Implant your pulse generator and connect it to the leads.
6. Program and test your pulse generator to make sure it works.

After your procedure, your surgeon will close your incision. They'll make sure your condition is stable.

How painful is a spinal cord stimulation implant?

You will be under anesthesia or light sedation that will keep you from feeling any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, you may feel some soreness near your incision for a few days.

You may also notice sensations, such as tingling or numbness, caused by the pulse generator. Although this may be uncomfortable initially, the discomfort improves as you get used to the device.

What is the most advanced spinal cord stimulator?

There are different types of spinal cord stimulators. The different devices have unique advantages, disadvantages, and features. Your surgeon will select the device that best meets your needs.

Recovery after spinal cord stimulation implantation

After your procedure, the care team will monitor you in recovery. You can go home the same day after your trial procedure. You will need to spend one or more nights in the hospital after implantation.

Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to go home. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital after the care team discharges you.

Before you go home, your doctor will tell you:

• How to care for your device, including how to charge it and whether you need to turn it on and off.
• How to care for your incision and watch for signs of infection or complications.
• What medicines you need to take.
• What movements are safe and which ones to avoid.
• When to call your doctor or 911 if you have certain symptoms.
• When you can return to your normal activities, such as driving and exercise.

Depending on your doctor's assessment, you will need to limit physical activity for 4 to 6 weeks. You may need to return to your doctor’s office within a week or two to have your device programmed for optimal pain relief.

When to call your doctor about post-op problems

You should let your surgeon know if you have:

• A fever of more than 100.0°F.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty with walking or keeping your balance.
• Headache that comes and goes, depending on whether you are sitting, standing, or lying down.
• New or increasing shortness of breath.
• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your arms or legs.
• Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at your treatment site.
• Severe pain that does not respond to medicines.

What is the prognosis after spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation does not cure the condition causing pain. But it can help you manage and tolerate the pain. Most patients have long-term pain relief and a better quality of life after the implant.

What is the success rate of a spinal cord stimulator implant?

Your success rate will depend on several factors. These include the condition causing your pain, your pain level, and the device your doctor uses. About half of those treated with spinal cord stimulation have a 50% reduction in pain.

Why Choose UPMC for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

UPMC surgeons use the least invasive, most effective pain management approaches whenever possible. Spinal cord stimulation is one of the tools in our toolbelt.

Our team offers some of the latest spinal cord stimulation devices and techniques. We aim to promote safer procedures, improved outcomes, and enhanced quality of life.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-05-16.