A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) delivers mild electrical pulses to your spinal cord to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. Before a permanent device is implanted, a trial is performed: temporary leads (thin wires) are placed near your spinal cord and connected to a small external device you wear for several days, so you and your doctor can judge whether SCS meaningfully reduces your pain before committing to a permanent implant.

This procedure may help if you have:

• Chronic nerve-related pain not adequately controlled by other treatments
• Failed back surgery syndrome or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Suitability confirmed after assessment by your pain specialist and multidisciplinary team

It isn't possible to guarantee how any individual will respond. As a general guide:

• During the trial: most patients notice the stimulation effect immediately; the trial period (typically 5-7 days) is used to judge real-world pain relief and function before deciding on a permanent implant.

This procedure is generally considered safe when performed under X-ray guidance, though as with any medical procedure benefit cannot be guaranteed and complications rarely occur.

Common, minor effects:

• Temporary soreness at the lead insertion site
• Unusual tingling sensation (paraesthesia) from the stimulation — this is expected and adjustable

Rare, more serious risks:

• Infection at the insertion site
• Lead movement (migration) reducing or changing the stimulation effect
• Headache related to spinal fluid leakage — usually improves with rest and fluids, but occasionally needs specific treatment (such as bed rest, or an epidural blood patch) or hospital admission if severe or persistent
• Bleeding or nerve injury, which may rarely be permanent
• Serious sedation or anaesthetic complications, very rarely including stroke or death
• The trial not providing meaningful relief, in which case a permanent implant would not be recommended

• Tell us about any blood-thinning medication (e.g. warfarin, Xarelto, Plavix) well in advance — special arrangements may be needed and you may be asked to pause these under guidance
• Tell us if you are, or might be, pregnant — this procedure uses X-ray guidance
• Tell us about any allergies, including to contrast dye, local anaesthetics, or reactions to previous injections or anaesthesia
• You will usually be asked to fast for 6 hours beforehand if sedation is planned
• Bring a list of your current medications
• Arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards

• The skin over the treatment area is cleaned with antiseptic
• Local anaesthetic numbs the skin before the main needle is placed
• Live X-ray (fluoroscopy) guides the needle precisely to each target
• A brief stimulation test checks the needle is correctly positioned
• One or more thin leads are positioned near your spinal cord and connected to an external trial device
• The procedure usually takes 45-60 minutes

• You will go home with the external trial device connected by leads exiting through the skin, secured with a dressing
• Some soreness at the insertion site is common for 1-3 days — simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol) usually helps

• Avoid bending, twisting, stretching, or reaching overnight — keep movements gentle during the trial
• Do not shower or bathe in a way that wets the dressing — you will be given specific washing instructions
• Keep your trial diary of pain levels and activity as instructed, to help judge the trial's success

Contact your GP, Total Pain Clinic, or your nearest Emergency Department if you notice:

• New or worsening leg weakness, numbness, or difficulty passing urine — this needs immediate Emergency Department assessment
• The dressing becomes wet, loose, or lifted
• Increasing redness, swelling, or discharge at the insertion site
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• Sudden loss of the stimulation effect

You will be seen or contacted during the trial period to assess your response. At the end of the trial, the temporary leads are removed (a simple procedure, no anaesthetic usually required) and you will discuss with your doctor whether to proceed to a permanent implant.