Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
A Dorsal Column Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implant is a medical device that is used to manage chronic pain.
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A Dorsal Column Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implant is a medical device that is used to manage chronic pain. The device is placed under the skin and consists of small electrodes that are attached to the spinal cord. The electrodes deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain. SCS implants are typically used to treat chronic pain that is not responsive to other treatments, such as medications or physical therapy. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as chronic back pain, neck pain, and nerve pain. The implant procedure is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center and is done under local anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision in the patient’s back and place the electrodes on the spinal cord. The device is then connected to a small generator, which is placed under the skin in the patient’s abdomen or buttocks. After the procedure, the patient will be able to control the device using a remote control. The electrical pulses can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of pain relief. Overall, SCS implants are a safe and effective treatment option for many people with chronic pain. They can help to significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for those who are not responding to other treatments.
Who is a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is usually considered when chronic pain hasn’t responded to other treatments — medication, injections, physical therapy, or even prior back surgery. It works by delivering mild electrical pulses that interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Our board-certified pain physicians most often consider SCS for patients with:
- Chronic back or leg pain that persists after spine surgery (“failed back surgery syndrome”)
- Nerve pain (neuropathy), including diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Sciatica or radiating leg pain that hasn’t improved with conservative care
- Pain severe enough to limit daily life, when surgery isn’t the right answer
You try it before you commit
One of the biggest advantages of a spinal cord stimulator is the trial period. Before anything permanent, a temporary device is placed so you can feel how much your pain improves during everyday activities — typically over about a week. Only if the trial gives you meaningful relief do you and your physician move forward with the permanent implant. It’s a low-risk way to know whether SCS is right for you before committing.
Spinal cord stimulator care across New York & New Jersey
- Board-certified interventional pain management physicians
- Trial-first approach — you feel the relief before the permanent implant
- Offices across Long Island, Westchester (NY), and northern New Jersey
- Most insurance accepted; we verify your coverage before scheduling
Long Island & Westchester: 516-229-1443 · New Jersey: 732-630-7246
Spinal cord stimulator FAQs
Who is a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator?
People with chronic back, leg, or nerve pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments — including pain after spine surgery, neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome. A consultation and imaging review determine whether SCS fits your situation.
Is there a trial before the permanent implant?
Yes. A temporary device is placed first so you can feel how much your pain improves during normal activities, usually over about a week. The permanent implant is only placed if the trial gives you meaningful relief.
Can a spinal cord stimulator help after failed back surgery?
It can. “Failed back surgery syndrome” — ongoing pain after spine surgery — is one of the most common reasons SCS is considered, because it targets the pain signals directly rather than requiring more surgery on the spine.
Is a spinal cord stimulator covered by insurance?
SCS is commonly covered when it’s medically appropriate and a trial has shown benefit. We accept most major plans — including Medicare, No-Fault, and Workers’ Compensation — and verify your coverage before proceeding.
Our Back Pain Treatment Options May Include:
Epidural Steroid Injections
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty
Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
PRP Therapy
Stem Cell Therapy
Regenerative Disc Injections
JA
Medically reviewed by Dr. John Akhnoukh, M.D. — Board-certified in Anesthesiology & Interventional Pain Management
Last reviewed July 2026 · Empire Minimally Invasive Spine & Pain
Medicare, Workers Comp,
No Fault & Others.
We accept most major insurance plans across our New York and New Jersey offices. Select your state to see accepted plans.
Accepted at our New York Locations
Workers' Compensation
No-Fault (NY & NJ)
Lien Cases
Medicare
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BCBS / Anthem
Cigna
Aetna
Empire NYSHIP
Oxford (PPO)
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GHI / Emblem Health
Humana (PPO)
Magnacare (PPO)
Northwell Direct
1199 SEIU
Self Pay
Accepted at our New Jersey Locations
No-Fault (NJ)
Lien Cases
Horizon BCBS
Empire NYSHIP
BCBS / Anthem (PPO)
Cigna
Aetna (PPO)
GHI / Emblem (PPO)
Port Authority UHC
Verizon Plan
Carpenter & Trade Unions
Self Pay
Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted at our New Jersey locations. Not sure about your plan? Call us and we'll verify before your visit.
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Meet Our Pain Management & Orthopedic Specialists
Board-certified physicians dedicated to accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive care.
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John Akhnoukh, M.D.
Board Certified Anesthesiologist & Interventional Pain Management Physician
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James Yu, D.O.
Board Certified Anesthesiologist & Interventional Pain Management Physician
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Pain Management
Benjamin Souferi, D.O.
Fellowship-Trained Interventional Pain Medicine Physician (Cleveland Clinic)
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