How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Work?
Jul 10, 2025
Living with chronic pain can be exhausting. When medications, physical therapy, and other treatments no longer bring relief, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) might be an option. However, patients typically undergo a trial period before committing to a permanent device to determine if the treatment is right for them.
The spinal cord stimulation trial is a safe, temporary way to test how well the therapy works.
It allows you to “test drive” the stimulation without undergoing complete surgery. During the trial, temporary leads are placed near the spinal cord, and a small external device sends electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals. If the trial is successful, many patients move forward with permanent implantation.
At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, our board-certified pain management specialist, Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, can answer any questions about SCS to ensure you are informed and feel comfortable.
The trial's main goal is to see if spinal cord stimulation reduces your pain.
Dr. Arora typically seeks at least a 50%improvement in symptoms during the trial period. But it isn’t just about numbers. Patients also report on sleep, activity levels, and quality of life.
If the therapy improves your day-to-day functioning and comfort, it’s considered a good fit.
Our team will prepare you for the trial with a full consultation. We will review your medical history, current medications, and pain patterns. You’ll have time to ask questions and learn how the system works. We will also explain the trial's goals and what results they hope to see.
Once everything is clear, we will schedule your trial procedure.
The trial is typically performed in an outpatient setting.
Dr. Arora will numb the area of your back with local anesthetic. Then, using a small needle, he places thin wires (called leads) into the epidural space near your spinal cord. These leads are connected to an external pulse generator you wear outside your body.
You stay awake during the procedure so Dr. Arora can ensure the leads are placed correctly.
The spinal cord stimulation trial usually lasts three to seven days. You’ll return home and go about your daily routine while wearing the external device. This lets you experience how the stimulation affects your real-life pain levels, mobility, and overall comfort.
To make the most of the trial, we recommend keeping a journal. Track your pain levels, sleep quality, activity, and how your body responds to typical tasks. Are you able to move more easily? Do you feel more rested? Are daily activities less complicated?
Avoid bending, twisting, or heavy lifting while the trial leads are in place. Your notes and feedback will help Dr. Arora assess how well the therapy works and whether it’s the right long-term solution for your pain.
When the trial period ends, Dr. Arora will remove the temporary leads. It is a quick and straightforward process that doesn’t require complete anesthesia. You’ll then meet with Dr. Arora to review the trial’s outcome. If the results are positive, you may be scheduled for permanent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator.
If not, our team will explore other options to help manage your pain more effectively. Call the office or book an appointment online today to discuss all your pain options.