Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive technique used for the treatment of various chronic pain conditions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of SCS for chronic pain in the trunk and limbs, including failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), nonsurgical back pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) I and II, and painful diabetic neuropathy. Though the exact mechanism of SCS is largely unknown, several prevailing theories regarding the underlying mechanisms have been proposed. This chapter describes the prevailing theories on the mechanism of action of SCS, preoperative and postoperative management, and a review of the most recent evidence regarding the use of SCS.