If you’re struggling with long-term nerve pain that hasn’t improved with medications, physical therapy, or other treatments, a spinal cord stimulator implant in Tampa could provide the relief you’ve been searching for. Spinal cord stimulation is typically recommended for patients who have not found adequate relief through traditional therapies and are seeking a long-term solution for managing chronic nerve pain.
At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, our experienced team in Tampa and Riverview specializes in spinal cord stimulation and is committed to delivering precise, patient-centered care that leads to lasting results.
What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implant is a small, FDA-approved device used to help manage chronic nerve pain. It works by sending mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which can interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. This can help reduce how pain feels, or replace it with a gentle tingling sensation that can help mask the pain.
The device is implanted just under the skin, typically in the lower back or abdomen, with thin wires (called leads) placed near the spinal cord.
The procedure is minimally invasive, not a major surgery. Most patients return home the same day and can resume light activities within a few days.
- Important to know: A spinal cord stimulator doesn’t cure the underlying condition—it helps manage pain by blocking or changing the way pain signals are sent to the brain.
By targeting pain at the source, a spinal cord stimulator offers a modern, technology-driven approach to managing chronic nerve pain when other treatments haven’t worked.
Conditions Treated with a Spinal Cord Stimulator
SCS is often used when other treatments haven’t worked, especially for chronic conditions like failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and peripheral neuropathy. Common conditions treated include:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Persistent pain following back surgery that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition usually affecting an arm or leg, often developing after injury or surgery.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or burning pain, often in the hands or feet.
- Chronic Nerve Pain: Long-lasting nerve pain that has not improved with medications, physical therapy, or other conservative approaches.
- Sciatica Caused by Spinal Nerve Compression: Radiating pain from the lower back down the leg, often due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis compressing the sciatic nerve.
At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, our experts tailor spinal cord stimulation therapy to your specific condition to help you achieve the best possible pain relief.
The Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure: Trial Phase & Implant
Before receiving a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant, you’ll typically undergo a trial phase where a temporary stimulator is placed with thin leads near your spinal cord. This allows you to test the temporary device and experience potential pain relief without full implantation. The trial usually lasts about 3 to 7 days, giving you time to evaluate the relief and discuss results with your provider.
If the trial is successful and you experience significant pain reduction, the next step is the permanent implant. This procedure involves placing a small pulse generator, often implanted under the skin in the lower back or abdomen, and connecting it to leads positioned near the spinal cord. The entire process is minimally invasive.
Most patients remain awake during the procedure, which is typically performed in an outpatient setting. This means you can go home the same day, avoiding the need for hospital admission. The medical team at Florida Spine & Pain Specialists prioritizes your comfort and safety throughout, guiding you step-by-step to make the experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.
Recovery, Follow-Up, and Potential Risks
After your spinal cord stimulator implant procedure, it’s important to know what to expect during recovery and follow-up care. Understanding the typical timeline and potential risks can help you feel more confident on your path to better pain relief.
Recovery After the Procedure
Most patients recover well after spinal cord stimulator implantation. Many can return to light activities—like walking, cooking, or desk work—within just a few days to one week. It's important to avoid heavy lifting, twisting, or bending during the initial healing period to allow the device and leads to settle securely.
While recovery is considered relatively quick, every patient is different. Our team at Florida Spine & Pain Specialists provides clear, tailored instructions to support a smooth recovery at home.
Dedicated Follow-Up Care and Education
At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, our commitment to your care doesn’t end after the procedure. We schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress, check incision healing, and make any necessary adjustments to your spinal cord stimulator settings.
We also place a strong focus on patient education. During your follow-ups, we teach you how to use your device properly, explain what sensations to expect, and provide tips for managing your pain effectively. Our team offers personalized follow-up care, ensuring your device is working optimally and that you feel supported every step of the way.
Understanding the Risks
As with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks associated with spinal cord stimulator implantation. Fortunately, these are uncommon and typically manageable. They may include:
- Minor infections at the implant site
- Discomfort or sensitivity near the implant
- Device or lead movement
- Swelling or bleeding
- Rare allergic reactions to device components
While these risks exist, they are uncommon, and our expert team is highly experienced in preventing and managing any complications. Many patients have reported improved sleep, better mood, and greater tolerance for daily activities once their pain is more effectively managed.
Why Choose Florida Spine & Pain Specialists?
When it comes to spinal cord stimulator implants, precision matters—and that’s exactly what Florida Spine & Pain Specialists delivers. Our team uses advanced imaging technology to ensure highly accurate placement of every device, maximizing its effectiveness and minimizing complications. This precision leads to improved pain relief, better mobility, and enhanced quality of life for many of our patients.
At FLSPS, we focus on more than just pain relief—we focus on your quality of life. Many of our patients experience significant reductions in chronic nerve pain, along with improved mobility and restored daily function. We don’t just perform the procedure and send you on your way; we closely track your progress to ensure your results continue to improve over time.
We’re proud of our strong reputation throughout Tampa and Riverview for excellence in interventional pain management. Our patients consistently report high satisfaction with both their care experience and long-term outcomes, because we’re committed to treating the whole person, not just the pain.
Meet Your Provider: Dr. Azeem
Dr. Nomen Azeem is a double board-certified interventional pain management physician and a nationally recognized leader in the field. As the founder of Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, he brings advanced training, innovation, and a strong commitment to excellence in every patient interaction.
With extensive experience in spinal cord stimulator implants, Dr. Azeem is trusted for his precision and successful outcomes. Patients appreciate his collaborative, patient-first approach, where treatment plans are tailored to each person’s unique condition and goals. Whether you’re exploring SCS for the first time or seeking a second opinion, you’ll find reassurance in Dr. Azeem’s credentials, compassion, and dedication to restoring quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Procedure Painful?
Answer: Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the spinal cord stimulator procedure. Local anesthesia is used, and you will typically be awake but relaxed throughout. Any soreness afterward usually resolves quickly.
How Long Does the Trial Last?
Answer: The trial phase usually lasts about 5 to 7 days. This allows patients to experience the potential pain relief before deciding on the permanent implant.
What Happens If the Implant Doesn’t Work?
Answer: If the spinal cord stimulator does not provide sufficient relief during the trial, the device can be removed without permanent implantation. Our team will discuss alternative treatment options tailored to your needs.
Will Insurance Cover This Procedure?
Answer: Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover spinal cord stimulator implantation for qualifying conditions. Our staff can help verify your coverage and assist with the necessary pre-authorization.
How Soon Can I Return to Work or Daily Activities?
Answer: Most patients can return to light activities within a few days to a week after the permanent implant. Your provider will give personalized guidance based on your recovery progress.
How Is the Device Adjusted After the Implant?
Answer: The spinal cord stimulator is programmed and adjusted non-invasively using an external controller. This allows your provider to personalize stimulation settings to best manage your pain.
Is the Implant Permanent?
Answer: While the implant is designed for long-term use, it can be removed if needed. Removal is a straightforward procedure, and your provider will discuss this option if it becomes necessary.
Will I Feel the Device Under My Skin?
Answer: Most patients can feel a slight sensation or mild pressure where the spinal cord stimulator is implanted, especially when the device is active. However, it’s usually not uncomfortable, and the sensation often becomes less noticeable over time as you adjust to the device.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief?
If chronic nerve pain has disrupted your daily life, a spinal cord stimulator implant may offer the long-term relief you’ve been searching for — all without the need for invasive surgery. This advanced, FDA-approved treatment is helping countless patients regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, you’ll receive expert, compassionate care from a team trusted throughout Tampa and Riverview for precision and lasting results.
Call us today at 813-333-1353 to schedule your spinal cord stimulator consultation in Tampa or Riverview — relief is closer than you think.
