A Risk-Free Step Toward Long-Term Relief
One of the biggest concerns patients have about spinal cord stimulation is:
👉 “What if it doesn’t work?”
That’s exactly why the trial phase exists.
At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, every spinal cord stimulation procedure begins with a temporary trial, allowing you to experience real pain relief before making any long-term decision.
What Is the SCS Trial?
The spinal cord stimulation trial is a short-term, reversible test that allows you to:
- Experience how the therapy feels
- Measure how much pain relief you get
- Decide if it improves your daily function
👉 Think of it as a “test drive” for long-term pain relief.
Why the Trial Is So Important
Unlike many treatments, SCS does not require guesswork.
The trial helps answer:
- Will this actually reduce my pain?
- Will I be able to move better?
- Will it improve my quality of life?
If the answer is yes, you can move forward confidently.
If not, the device is simply removed.
Who Should Consider an SCS Trial?
You are likely a candidate if you have:
- Chronic pain lasting 3+ months
- Nerve-related pain (burning, tingling, radiating)
- Pain that hasn’t improved with PT, medications, or injections
- Ongoing pain after surgery or injury
- A desire to avoid major surgery
What Happens During the Trial Procedure?
The trial is minimally invasive and typically performed in an outpatient setting.
Step-by-step:
- Preparation
- Local anesthesia is used
- You remain comfortable throughout the procedure
- Lead Placement
- Thin wires (leads) are placed near the spinal cord
- Positioning is guided using live imaging (fluoroscopy)
- Device Setup
- The leads are connected to an external device
- You’ll be able to control stimulation levels
- Same-Day Discharge
- You go home the same day
- No major downtime required
What to Expect During the Trial Period
The trial typically lasts 5–7 days.
During this time, you’ll:
- Go about your normal daily activities
- Track pain levels and improvements
- Adjust stimulation settings as needed
We’re looking for:
- At least 50% pain reduction
- Improved function (walking, sitting, sleeping)
- Better quality of life
What Does the Stimulation Feel Like?
Most patients experience either:
- A mild tingling sensation
- Or no sensation at all (with newer “paresthesia-free” systems)
Most patients describe it as comfortable and easy to adjust.
What Happens After the Trial?
At the end of the trial:
If successful:
- You can move forward with permanent implantation
- The system is placed under the skin for long-term use
If not successful:
- The leads are removed
- No permanent changes are made
👉 This makes the trial a low-risk, high-reward decision point
Benefits of the Trial Approach
- No long-term commitment upfront
- Real-world testing of pain relief
- Personalized evaluation
- Helps avoid unnecessary procedures
SCS Trial for Personal Injury Patients
SCS is often appropriate for patients with:
- Persistent nerve pain after an accident
- Failed conservative and interventional treatments
- Long-term functional limitations
It can also support:
- Advanced treatment documentation
- Long-term care planning
We serve patients across:
- Granada Hills
- Northridge
- Porter Ranch
- Sylmar
- North Hills
- Mission Hills
Common Concerns About the Trial
“Is the procedure painful?”
Most patients report minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used.
“Will I be able to move normally?”
Yes, with some minor activity restrictions to protect the leads.
“What if I don’t like it?”
The trial is completely reversible. The leads are removed easily.
“How do I know if it worked?”
We look for measurable improvements in pain, function, and daily activity.
Q&A: Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial
Q: How long does the trial last?
Typically 5–7 days.
Q: What percentage of pain relief is considered successful?
Usually 50% or greater improvement.
Q: Can I go to work during the trial?
Many patients can, depending on their job.
Q: Is the trial covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes—especially when medically necessary.
Q: What happens to the leads after the trial?
They are removed in-office—quick and simple.
Take the First Step—Without Commitment
If you’ve been living with chronic pain and aren’t sure what to do next, the SCS trial offers a way to explore real relief—without committing to permanent treatment upfront.
At Modern Pain Solutions, we guide you through every step with a focus on precision, safety, and results.
📍 Modern Pain Solutions
10700 Balboa Blvd, Suite 102
Granada Hills, CA 91344
📞 (818) 826-4145
🌐 https://modernpainsolutions.com/
📅 Request Appointment: https://modernpainsolutions.com/appointments/
