- SCS is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic back pain, leg pain, neuropathy, and failed back surgery
- It works by sending gentle electrical impulses that interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain
- Over 80% of patients in clinical studies report significant pain reduction
- A trial period lets you test it before any permanent commitment
- Modern SCS uses high-frequency and burst stimulation — no buzzing sensation required
- Available at SEVA Healthcare in Tulsa Midtown , South Tulsa , Lewisville , and Rowlett
I want to talk directly to the patients who feel like they have tried everything.
The ones who have had epidural injections — maybe many of them. The ones who have been through surgery and still wake up in pain. The ones taking medication they wish they didn't have to take, missing things that matter to them, wondering if this is just how life is now.
It is not. And spinal cord stimulation — SCS — is often the answer for patients who reach that point.
I have been performing SCS procedures for years at SEVA Healthcare in Tulsa and Dallas, and I have seen it change lives in ways that other treatments could not. In this article I want to explain exactly how it works, who it helps, what the trial experience is like, and what the evidence really says — in a way that actually makes sense if you are not a doctor.
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a form of neuromodulation — meaning it works by changing the way your nervous system processes pain signals, rather than trying to fix the structural cause of pain or block it with medication.
Think of your spinal cord as a highway for pain signals. When you have chronic pain, that highway is constantly busy — signals are traveling from the painful area up to your brain, and your brain keeps registering them as pain even when there is no ongoing injury.
SCS places a small device near your spinal cord that sends gentle electrical pulses. These pulses work like a traffic controller — they intercept the pain signals and prevent them from reaching the brain. The result is that your brain stops registering the pain, even though the underlying condition may still be present.
The device itself has two parts: thin wire leads placed near the spinal cord through a small needle, and a small battery pack (pulse generator) implanted just under the skin — similar in size to a large coin. The entire system is internal and invisible from the outside.
SCS has changed dramatically — what you picture may be outdated
Many patients who have heard of spinal cord stimulation picture an older version of the technology — one that creates a buzzing or tingling sensation (called paresthesia) as a side effect of the treatment. That older approach is largely being replaced by newer, far more comfortable stimulation methods.
older technology
what we use at SEVA
newer approach
most advanced
Who is spinal cord stimulation right for?
SCS is FDA-approved for several specific conditions. The patients I see most often who benefit significantly include:
In general, SCS is considered when a patient has had chronic pain for at least 6 months, has tried and not achieved adequate relief from more conservative treatments, and does not have an active infection or certain other medical contraindications. The most important factor is a thorough evaluation — which our team at Tulsa Midtown and Lewisville takes seriously every time.
The trial period — why SCS is unique among pain treatments
This is one of the most important things to understand about SCS — and one of the reasons I find it such a compelling option for the right patient.
Unlike surgery, you try it before you commit. Before any permanent device is implanted, we perform a trial — a temporary test of the system that typically lasts 7 to 10 days. During the trial, thin leads are placed near your spinal cord through a needle (no incision) and connected to an external device you wear on your body.
You go home and live your normal life for that week — working, sleeping, moving around — while keeping a simple pain diary. If you experience significant pain reduction (typically 50% or more), we proceed to the permanent implant. If it does not help, the leads are removed and nothing permanent has been done to your body.
What does the clinical evidence show?
SCS has one of the strongest evidence bases of any interventional pain treatment. Here is what the most recent research demonstrates:
SCS is highly effective for the right patient — but it is not for everyone. A 2024 systematic review and network meta-analysis in JAMA Network Open confirmed SCS is superior to conventional medical management for chronic back and leg pain. However, outcomes vary by condition, device type, and patient factors. I always tell my patients: the trial period exists precisely so you don't have to take my word for it. You will know within a week whether it works for you.
What to expect — recovery and results timeline
Week 1–4
I had two back surgeries and was still in constant pain. I couldn't sleep, couldn't play with my grandkids, could barely get through a day of work. Dr. Patel recommended the SCS trial and I was skeptical — I had been disappointed so many times. By day three of the trial my pain was down more than 60%. I got the permanent implant two months later and it has been over a year. I finally have my life back.
Frequently asked questions about SCS
Will I feel the stimulation?
With modern high-frequency (10 kHz) and burst SCS — which is what we use at SEVA Healthcare — most patients feel nothing from the stimulation itself. The older paresthesia-based systems created a buzzing or tingling sensation. The newer systems work entirely below the threshold of sensation.
Can I have an MRI with an SCS device?
Many modern SCS systems are MRI-conditional — meaning MRI scans are possible under specific conditions and field strengths. This varies by device and system. Your SEVA team will help you select a device appropriate for your imaging needs and will provide documentation for any future MRI facility.
Is SCS reversible?
Yes — this is one of SCS's important advantages. The device can be turned off at any time, and the implanted components can be removed if needed. Nothing is permanently altered in your spine or nervous system. The trial period also lets you test the therapy fully before any permanent implant.
Does insurance cover spinal cord stimulation?
Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans cover SCS for approved indications when documentation of failed conservative treatment is provided. Coverage for the trial period and permanent implant is typically included. SEVA Healthcare's team handles all insurance verification and prior authorization before you proceed.
Can I still take pain medication with an SCS device?
Yes — SCS and medication are not mutually exclusive. Many patients continue with some medication, though clinical studies show a significant reduction in opioid use after successful SCS. The goal over time is to reduce dependence on medication, but this is a gradual process guided by your SEVA team.
What are the risks?
Like all implantable devices, SCS carries some risks including infection, lead migration (the wire moving out of position), hardware malfunction, and in rare cases neurological complications. The overall complication rate is low and most issues are manageable. Your SEVA specialist will discuss all risks specific to your situation during your consultation.
Where can I get SCS in Tulsa or Dallas?
SEVA Healthcare offers SCS evaluation, trial, and implantation at our Tulsa Midtown , South Tulsa , Lewisville , and Rowlett clinics. Same-week consultations are available for new patients.
Book a spinal cord stimulation consultation at SEVA Healthcare
Same-week consultations available in Tulsa and Dallas. Our team will review your history, imaging, and previous treatments to give you an honest assessment of whether SCS is likely to help — and if it is, we will walk you through every step.
This article is written for informational and educational purposes by Dr. Jayen Patel and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical data referenced from peer-reviewed sources including Frontiers in Pain Research (2025), Frontiers in Neurology (2025), JAMA Network Open (2024), Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine (2023), and JAMA Neurology. Individual results vary. Please consult a board-certified pain management specialist to determine whether spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for your specific condition. SCS is an FDA-approved treatment for specific indications; outcomes depend on patient selection, device type, and condition severity.
Recent Posts
