Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials in Louisiana
A spinal cord stimulator trial lets you test spinal cord stimulation (SCS) before committing to a permanent implant. SCS uses electrical impulses to relieve chronic back, arm, and leg pain by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. LA Pain Doctor performs spinal cord stimulator trials for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhy a Trial Comes First
Spinal cord stimulation can be life-changing for people with chronic nerve pain who have not found relief with conservative treatments, but every patient responds differently. A trial gives you a real-world preview of the therapy in your own home, at work, and during daily activities. It helps you and your provider decide whether a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant is the right choice.
Who May Be a Good Candidate
- Patients with ongoing back or leg pain after spine surgery
- People with chronic sciatica that has not responded to injections
- Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Those living with Peripheral Neuropathy or other chronic nerve pain
- Patients hoping to reduce reliance on pain medications
What Happens During the Trial
The trial is an outpatient procedure that usually takes less than an hour. After numbing the skin, your provider uses X-ray guidance to place one or two thin, flexible leads into the epidural space near the spinal cord through a needle. No incision is needed. The leads connect to a small external device you wear on a belt.
A device representative helps program the stimulator to target your pain. Over the next five to seven days, you go about your normal routine and track your pain levels, activity, and sleep.
After the Trial
At the end of the trial, the leads are removed in the office, which is quick and typically painless. If your pain improved significantly, often by 50 percent or more, you may be a candidate for the permanent implant. If not, your provider will discuss other options such as intrathecal pump implants, lumbar epidural steroid injections, or lumbar sympathetic blocks. Explore our neck pain treatment and lower back pain treatment pages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
How long does a spinal cord stimulator trial last?
Most trials last about five to seven days, giving you enough time to test the therapy during normal daily activities.
Does the trial require surgery?
No. Trial leads are placed through a needle, without an incision, in an outpatient procedure.
What counts as a successful trial?
A trial is usually considered successful if your pain decreases by about 50 percent or more and your function improves.
Can I shower during the trial?
You will need to keep the lead site dry during the trial. Your provider will give you instructions for bathing.
Are there activity restrictions during the trial?
You should avoid bending, twisting, and heavy lifting so the leads stay in place, but you can do most normal daily activities.
What happens if the trial does not help?
The leads are removed, and your provider will discuss other treatment options.
Where can I get a spinal cord stimulator trial?
LA Pain Doctor performs spinal cord stimulator trials at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule an evaluation.
Test Drive Lasting Pain Relief
See if spinal cord stimulation can work for you. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.