Breaking the Pain Cycle: Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explains the Power of Spinal Cord Stimulators

Chronic pain can be life-altering, especially when conventional treatments—like medications, injections, or physical therapy—fail to provide meaningful relief. For patients living with persistent nerve or back pain, one solution is offering renewed hope: the spinal cord stimulator (SCS).

Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a respected pain management specialist, has seen firsthand how spinal cord stimulators can transform lives. “For many patients, the spinal cord stimulator is the bridge between daily suffering and a return to function,” he says. “It doesn’t cure pain, but it fundamentally changes how pain is experienced—and that can be life-changing.”

In this article, we’ll explore what a spinal cord stimulator is, how it works, who it’s for, and why Dr. Sudberg considers it a game-changer in pain management.

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a small, implantable device that sends low levels of electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the perception of pain.

The device consists of three main components:

• Leads (electrodes): Thin wires placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord.
  
• Pulse generator: A small battery-powered device implanted under the skin, often in the lower back or abdomen.
  
• Controller: A handheld remote that allows the patient to adjust stimulation levels.
  

Spinal cord stimulation doesn’t eliminate the source of pain but instead changes the way the brain interprets pain signals. “Think of it like replacing the sensation of pain with a gentle tingling,” explains Dr. Sudberg. “The pain is still there, but it’s no longer dominating the person’s experience.”

Conditions Treated by Spinal Cord Stimulators

Spinal cord stimulators are typically used for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant nerve pain, especially after surgery or injury. Some of the most common conditions include:

• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
  
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  
• Peripheral neuropathy
  
• Chronic leg or arm pain
  
• Spinal stenosis
  
• Sciatica or radiculopathy
  

Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that spinal cord stimulators are not for everyone. “They’re reserved for patients who have exhausted other treatments and are still living with debilitating pain,” he says.

How the Procedure Works

Before permanent implantation, patients undergo a trial phase—a key feature that sets spinal cord stimulators apart from many other interventions.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Trial Stimulation

A temporary version of the device is inserted under local anesthesia. Over the course of 5–7 days, patients assess how much pain relief they experience.

“If the patient reports at least 50% pain reduction, and improvements in mobility or sleep, we consider it a successful trial,” Dr. Sudberg notes.

2. Permanent Implantation

If the trial is successful, a surgical procedure is scheduled to implant the permanent device. The leads are positioned near the spinal cord, and the generator is placed under the skin.

Recovery time is relatively short, and most patients return to light activity within a week or two.

Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulators offer several benefits for those struggling with long-term pain:

• Non-opioid pain relief: A major advantage amid the opioid crisis.
  
• Customizable control: Patients can adjust intensity and patterns based on their daily needs.
  
• Minimally invasive: Especially compared to more aggressive surgeries.
  
• Reversible: The system can be removed if it’s not effective or desired.
  

Dr. Sudberg sees spinal cord stimulators as a modern and sophisticated alternative for appropriate patients. “It’s empowering,” he says. “Patients go from feeling helpless to having control over their pain.”

What Patients Should Know

While spinal cord stimulators can be life-changing, Dr. Jordan Sudberg stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations. The goal isn’t complete elimination of pain—but significant, sustained reduction that restores function and improves quality of life.

He also underscores the importance of working with a pain management specialist to determine candidacy. “We consider medical history, psychological readiness, and the type of pain being treated,” he explains. “It’s a highly personalized decision.”

Final Thoughts: A Future with Less Pain

Living with chronic pain can feel like a life sentence. But for the right patient, spinal cord stimulation offers real relief—and a path back to living fully.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg has helped countless individuals reclaim their lives with the aid of this advanced technology. “Pain doesn’t have to be your identity,” he says. “With the right tools—and spinal cord stimulators are one of the best we have—you can start moving forward again.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, a conversation with a pain management expert like Dr. Sudberg could be the first step toward relief.