Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Right for You?

If you live with chronic pain, you know it can be exhausting. When pain lingers despite medications, physical therapy, or injections, it can start to affect nearly every part of your day-to-day life.

Here at BioHealth Pain Management, Dr. Rostam Khoshsar and Dr. Adrian Darryll Sulindro may recommend a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) as an option worth exploring if you haven’t found relief through traditional treatments.

An SCS is a small, implantable device designed to help manage chronic pain. It delivers gentle electrical pulses to your spinal cord that help disrupt pain signals before your brain processes them. Instead of feeling pain, many people experience a tingling sensation or a noticeable reduction in discomfort.

Who might benefit from a spinal cord stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulation is commonly recommended for people with long-term nerve-related pain, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. You may be a candidate if you experience:

• Chronic back or neck pain after surgery
• Persistent nerve pain in the arms or legs
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Pain related to spinal conditions or nerve damage

SCS therapy is typically explored after more conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief, positioning it as a next step rather than an initial option.

What you can expect during the trial process

One of the unique benefits of an SCS is that you can “try it before you commit.” Instead of implanting the device right away, you start with a brief trial period. We place temporary leads, and you wear the stimulator outside of your body for several days. This allows you to see how your body responds and whether your pain becomes easier to manage during normal daily routines.

If you notice a clear improvement and feel the relief is worthwhile, the next step may be moving forward with a permanent implant.

Potential benefits and considerations

Many people who choose spinal cord stimulation report meaningful improvements, such as reduced pain levels, better sleep, and an increased ability to participate in daily activities. Some patients are even able to decrease their reliance on pain medications.

However, SCS isn’t right for everyone. It requires a surgical procedure, ongoing follow-up, and realistic expectations. Factors such as overall health, type of pain, and mental readiness play an important role in determining success.

Is it right for you?

Deciding whether a spinal cord stimulator is right for you starts with Dr. Khoshsar or Dr. Sulindro performing a thorough evaluation, including a medical history. You can discuss your pain history, previous treatments, and goals for relief. If we believe you’ll benefit from the device, we proceed with the trial to test its effectiveness.

If chronic pain is limiting your life, spinal cord stimulation may offer a path toward greater comfort and control. Schedule an appointment with us at BioHealth Pain Management to explore your options and take the next step toward lasting pain relief.

Book an appointment online at the location nearest you in Lawndale, Whittier, or Arcadia, California. You can also call our friendly office staff at 424-360-0066.