For patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) who have tried medications, physical therapy, and nerve blocks without lasting relief, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be the breakthrough treatment that finally delivers results. At Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors, we are proud to be one of Georgia’s leading centers for neuromodulation — offering SCS as a long-term solution for CRPS.
Why CRPS Is So Difficult to Treat
CRPS is notoriously difficult to manage because it involves dysfunction at multiple levels of the nervous system. Unlike pain from a broken bone or strained muscle, CRPS pain is neurological — the nervous system itself has become dysregulated, generating pain signals that far outpace any physical injury. This is why treatments aimed at the injury site often fail, while treatments that target the nervous system directly — like SCS — tend to be far more effective.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small device (similar to a pacemaker for pain) is implanted near the spinal cord. The device delivers precisely controlled electrical pulses that disrupt abnormal pain signals traveling to the brain. Instead of pain, patients often feel a mild tingling sensation — or in newer high-frequency SCS systems, nothing at all.
How SCS Works for CRPS
In CRPS, the spinal cord and brain have been sensitized to amplify pain signals. SCS works by:
- Modulating the gate control mechanism in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord
- Reducing central sensitization — the process that keeps CRPS pain burning long after any injury has healed
- Activating inhibitory interneurons that naturally suppress pain transmission
- In CRPS specifically, SCS may also help normalize the abnormal sympathetic nervous system activity that drives symptoms like skin color changes, temperature dysregulation, and swelling
The SCS Trial: Your Test Drive
Before a permanent implant, patients undergo a trial period — typically 5 to 7 days — where temporary leads are placed and connected to an external stimulator. This allows you to experience SCS firsthand and determine how well it controls your CRPS pain before committing to a permanent device. If the trial reduces your pain by 50% or more, you are a strong candidate for a permanent implant.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The Trial Procedure
The SCS trial is performed under light sedation as an outpatient procedure. Thin, flexible leads are inserted through a needle into the epidural space near your spinal cord. You’ll go home with the leads in place and an external controller to adjust stimulation levels during your trial week.
The Permanent Implant
If your trial is successful, the permanent implant is placed in a short outpatient procedure. The generator is typically implanted under the skin in the upper buttock or abdomen. Most patients return to light activities within a few days.
Recovery and Results
SCS for CRPS has an excellent long-term track record. Studies show:
- 50-70% of CRPS patients achieve significant long-term pain relief with SCS
- Many patients dramatically reduce or eliminate opioid medications
- Functional improvement — patients return to work, exercise, and daily activities they had abandoned due to pain
- Improvement in sleep, mood, and overall quality of life
Advanced SCS Technologies We Offer
At Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors, we stay at the forefront of neuromodulation technology. We offer:
- Traditional tonic SCS (paresthesia-based)
- High-frequency SCS (10kHz) — paresthesia-free, effective even when sleeping on the device
- Burst stimulation — mimics natural nerve firing patterns for superior pain control
- Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation — ideal for focal CRPS in the foot or hand
Is SCS Right for You?
You may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if you:
- Have been diagnosed with CRPS and have not achieved adequate relief with conservative treatments
- Do not have an active infection or bleeding disorder
- Have realistic expectations and understand SCS manages — not cures — pain
- Are not dependent on large doses of opioids (which can reduce SCS effectiveness)
Schedule Your CRPS Consultation in Georgia
Ready to find out if spinal cord stimulation is right for your CRPS? Our team at Solutions Pain and Spine Doctors serves patients across Georgia from our Decatur, Peachtree Corners, Buford, and Athens locations. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward meaningful, lasting relief.