Who Qualifies, Success Rates & What to Expect Long-Term in Granada Hills
If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain and exploring advanced options like spinal cord stimulation (SCS), one of the biggest questions is:
👉 “Is this actually right for me?”
At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, we carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether SCS is an appropriate and effective solution—based on diagnosis, prior treatments, and long-term goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
SCS is not a first-line treatment—it’s designed for patients who have:
✔ Chronic Pain (3+ Months)
Pain that has persisted despite conservative care
✔ Nerve-Related Pain
Symptoms such as:
- Burning or electric pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Radiating pain into arms or legs
✔ Failed Conservative Treatments
Including:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Injections (epidurals, nerve blocks, etc.)
✔ Pain Affecting Daily Life
- Difficulty walking, sitting, or sleeping
- Reduced ability to work or function
✔ Desire to Avoid Surgery (or Surgery Didn’t Work)
SCS is commonly used for:
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Patients trying to avoid additional procedures
Who May NOT Be a Candidate?
SCS delivers the best outcomes when pain is nerve-related and properly diagnosed :
- Pain is primarily muscular or inflammatory (not nerve-related)
- There is an untreated underlying condition requiring surgery
- There are certain medical or psychological factors affecting outcomes
👉 This is why a thorough evaluation is essential
How We Determine If SCS Is Right for You
At Modern Pain Solutions, candidacy is based on:
1. Accurate Diagnosis
We identify whether your pain is:
- Nerve-related (ideal for SCS)
- Joint-based
- Disc-related
2. Treatment History
We review:
- What you’ve tried
- What worked (or didn’t)
- Your response to prior procedures
3. Trial Results
The SCS trial phase is the most important factor.
👉 If you experience significant relief during the trial, you are likely a strong candidate for permanent implantation.
What Success Looks Like
Success with SCS is not about eliminating all pain—it’s about meaningful improvement.
Most patients aim for:
- 50% or greater pain reduction
- Improved mobility and activity
- Better sleep
- Reduced reliance on medications
Success Rates of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Clinical studies and real-world outcomes show:
- 50–70% of patients experience significant pain relief
- Many reduce or eliminate opioid use
- High patient satisfaction when properly selected
👉 Proper patient selection is the key to success
Long-Term Outcomes & What to Expect
With a successful implant, patients often experience:
Improved Quality of Life
- Increased independence
- Return to daily activities
Better Pain Control
- Consistent, adjustable relief
- Less need for repeated procedures
Ongoing Adjustability
- Device settings can be customized
- Therapy evolves with your needs
How SCS Fits Into Your Overall Treatment Plan
Spinal cord stimulation is not a “last resort”—it’s part of a comprehensive pain management strategy.
It is often combined with:
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
- Occasional interventional treatments
SCS for Personal Injury & Long-Term Cases
In complex personal injury cases, SCS is sometimes recommended when:
- Pain becomes chronic despite treatment
- Nerve damage is documented
- Functional limitations persist
It can play a role in:
- Long-term care planning
- Improving patient independence
- Supporting advanced treatment pathways
We serve patients across:
- Granada Hills
- Northridge
- Porter Ranch
- North Hills
- Sylmar
- Mission Hills
Common Questions About SCS Candidacy
Q: Do I have to try everything else first?
Typically yes—SCS is recommended after conservative treatments have been attempted.
Q: What if my pain is in multiple areas?
SCS can often be programmed to target multiple pain regions.
Q: Will I still feel pain at all?
Most patients experience significant reduction—not complete elimination.
Q: Can the device stop working over time?
Settings can be adjusted, and technology continues to improve outcomes.
Q: Is this a permanent commitment?
No. The system is reversible if needed.
When Should You Consider an Evaluation?
You should consider a consultation if:
- You’ve tried multiple treatments without lasting relief
- Pain is interfering with your daily life
- You’ve been told surgery is your only option
- You want a non-surgical, long-term solution
Take the Next Step Toward Long-Term Relief
You don’t have to keep cycling through treatments that aren’t working.
At Modern Pain Solutions, we help patients determine the most effective path forward using advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge therapies like spinal cord stimulation.
📍 Modern Pain Solutions
10700 Balboa Blvd, Suite 102
Granada Hills, CA 91344
📞 (818) 826-4145
🌐 https://modernpainsolutions.com/
📅 Request Appointment: https://modernpainsolutions.com/appointments/
