RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: Does spinal cord stimulation relief last?

Living with chronic low back pain can feel like running out of options. Medications, physical therapy and injections may help for a while, but for some patients the pain keeps coming back. And not everyone with back pain is a good candidate for spine surgery.

For these patients, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may offer another path. One of the most common questions we hear about it is simple: does the relief actually last?

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine set out to answer that question by following patients for two full years.

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation uses a small implanted device to deliver gentle electrical signals to the spinal cord. These signals are designed to change how pain messages travel to the brain, which may reduce the pain a person feels. High-frequency SCS, the type used in this study, is designed to relieve pain without the tingling sensation that older systems often caused.

Who was in the study?

Researchers randomized 159 patients with chronic low back pain, and 125 went on to receive a permanent high-frequency spinal cord stimulator. All of the patients:

• Had back pain that had not improved with conventional medical management
• Had no previous spine surgery
• Had been judged not to be surgical candidates by a spine surgeon

This matters because these patients are often left with few options between ongoing medication and surgery.

What did researchers find after 2 years?

At the 24-month mark:

• 82% of patients had at least 50% relief from their back pain
• Average back pain scores dropped from 7.4 to 1.9 on a 0–10 scale
• Leg pain scores dropped 71% from where they started
• 62% of patients who were using opioids reduced or stopped them
• 76% said they felt “better” or “a great deal better”

Was it safe?

Researchers reported no new safety concerns through 24 months. Six of the 125 patients (4.8%) had their device removed during the study period.

What does this mean for patients?

For people with chronic back pain who are not surgical candidates, this study suggests high-frequency spinal cord stimulation may offer relief that holds up over time, not just in the first few months. It’s one of several research-backed options worth discussing with an interventional spine specialist.

It’s also worth knowing that spinal cord stimulation always starts with a short trial. That gives patients and their doctor a chance to see how well it works before any permanent decision is made.

Is spinal cord stimulation right for you?

Every patient’s pain is different, and spinal cord stimulation isn’t the right fit for everyone. At Orange County Spine and Sports Medicine, Dr. Vivek Babaria and our team take the time to understand the source of your pain, review what you’ve already tried and walk you through the options that may fit your goals.

If chronic back pain is holding you back, schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach or Carlsbad. Call (949) 216-5277 or visit ocspineandsports.com.

Source: Patel NP, et al. Durable responses at 24 months with high-frequency spinal cord stimulation for nonsurgical refractory back pain. J Neurosurg Spine. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3171/2023.9.SPINE23504. This study was funded by Nevro Corp. Individual results vary. This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is spinal cord stimulation used for?
Spinal cord stimulation is commonly used for chronic back and leg pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments such as medication, physical therapy or injections. It may also be considered for patients who are not candidates for spine surgery or who still have pain after surgery.

How long does spinal cord stimulation relief last?
In a 2023 study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 82% of patients with chronic low back pain still had at least 50% pain relief two years after receiving a high-frequency spinal cord stimulator. Results vary from person to person.

Is spinal cord stimulation surgery?
The permanent device is placed during a minimally invasive procedure, typically done on an outpatient basis. Before that, patients go through a short trial using temporary leads to see how well stimulation works for them.

How does the spinal cord stimulation trial work?
During the trial, thin temporary leads are placed near the spine and connected to an external device, usually for about a week. If the trial provides meaningful relief, the patient and doctor may discuss moving forward with a permanent implant.

Can spinal cord stimulation reduce the need for pain medication?
For some patients, yes. In the 2-year study, 62% of patients who were using opioids reduced or stopped them. Any change to medication should be made with your doctor.

Can a spinal cord stimulator be removed?
Yes. Spinal cord stimulation is reversible, and the device can be removed if needed. In the study, 4.8% of patients had their device removed over two years.

Who is a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
Good candidates often have chronic back or leg pain lasting several months that hasn’t responded to conservative care. A consultation with an interventional spine specialist can help determine whether it may be an option for you.