How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Work?

 If you’ve been living with chronic pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments, it might be the right time to try a spinal cord stimulator (SCS).

But before committing to permanent implantation, our board-certified specialist, Miranda Reed Cleaver, DO, and our team at Cleaver Medical Group Interventional Pain in Cumming, Dahlonega, and Dawsonville, Georgia, recommend going through a trial period to see if it truly works for you.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how the process works, what to expect, and how to decide if it’s right for you. 

What is a spinal cord stimulator trial? 

A spinal cord stimulator uses mild electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. The trial gives you a chance to “test drive” this therapy before making a long-term decision. 

Think of it as a temporary setup: the device is placed outside your body and connected to wires near your spinal cord. You get to see firsthand how much pain relief it provides, usually over the course of about a week.

Our goal is to determine if your pain is reduced by at least 50% and whether your daily life feels easier. 

Step 1: preparing for your trial 

Before the procedure, Dr. Cleaver and our team will walk you through the following: 

Medical evaluation 

This is how we make sure you’re a good candidate (for example, chronic pain lasting more than 6 months and not relieved by other treatments).

Medication review 

You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners or certain medications. 

What to expect 

You’ll be under local anesthesia with sedation, so you’ll be awake but relaxed. 

Step 2: the trial procedure 

If you’re worried about the process, we’re here to ease your concerns. The actual process is usually quick: about 30 to 90 minutes. Dr. Cleaver inserts thin wires (leads) through a needle into the epidural space near your spinal cord. These leads are then connected to a small external device (worn on a belt or kept in a pocket). 

The stimulator sends mild electrical pulses that replace pain sensations with a tingling or buzzing feeling, often described as a “paresthesia.” Most patients go home the same day with instructions for how to adjust the settings and record their experience. 

Step 3: living with the trial device 

For the next 5-7 days, you’ll see how well the device fits into your everyday life. It’s important to follow our instructions during this period. This is your chance to notice: 

Pain relief levels 

Are you feeling at least 50% better? 

Improved activity 

Can you walk, sleep, or do daily tasks with less discomfort? 

Comfort with the device 

Does the tingling sensation feel tolerable or annoying? 

Reduced medication use 

Are you needing fewer pain pills? 

Step 4: deciding what’s next 

At the end of the trial, you and Dr. Cleaver review your notes and decide together if it worked. If so, you may move forward with permanent implantation of the stimulator. If it doesn't work, the leads are removed in our office, and we can explore other treatment options. 

Ultimately, a spinal cord stimulator trial is a low-risk, temporary way to see if this therapy can finally give you relief from chronic pain. By spending a week with the device, you’ll know whether it’s worth moving forward with the permanent implant.

If you’re ready to learn more, call us at 770-872-6179 to schedule an appointment with our team today.