California Sports and Spine Institute
When to Consider a Spinal Cord Stimulator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities challenging. At California Sports & Spine Institute (CSSI), Dr. Maxim Moradian and our team offer advanced solutions, including spinal cord stimulation (SCS), to help patients regain function and comfort.


Spinal cord stimulators are highly effective for certain types of chronic back, neck, or limb pain. Understanding when this therapy is appropriate can help you make informed decisions about your care.


What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a small device implanted near the spinal cord that sends electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain. This can reduce or block chronic pain, allowing patients to improve mobility and daily function.


Who Might Benefit from a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

SCS therapy is typically considered for patients who:

  • Have chronic pain that has not responded to medications, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments.
  • Experience nerve-related pain from conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or peripheral neuropathy.
  • Are seeking a minimally invasive alternative to further surgery.


Step-by-Step Guide to Spinal Cord Stimulation

1. Comprehensive Evaluation

Dr. Moradian begins with a thorough review of your medical history, imaging studies, and prior treatments to determine if SCS therapy is appropriate.


2. Trial Stimulation

Before permanent implantation, a temporary trial stimulator is placed to assess pain relief and effectiveness. During this period, you’ll track your pain and functionality to see if SCS provides meaningful improvement.


3. Permanent Implantation

If the trial is successful, a permanent stimulator is implanted under the skin. The device’s settings can be adjusted to maximize pain relief while maintaining comfort.


4. Follow-Up and Optimization

After implantation, the CSSI team monitors progress, fine-tunes stimulation settings, and provides guidance on activity modifications to ensure optimal results.


Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

  • Reduced chronic pain without relying solely on medications
  • Improved mobility and quality of life
  • Minimally invasive procedure with adjustable settings
  • Potential reduction in opioid use for pain management


Take the Next Step

If you live with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, a spinal cord stimulator may be a life-changing option. At California Sports & Spine Institute, Dr. Maxim Moradian and our team provide expert evaluation, trials, and permanent implantation to help you regain comfort and function.


📞 Schedule your consultation today:

  • Arcadia: (818) 338-6860 | (626) 460-1096
  • Glendale: (818) 338-6860 | (626) 460-1096
  • Palmdale: (818) 338-6860 | (626) 460-1096


Don’t let chronic pain control your life—explore advanced spinal cord stimulation therapy with CSSI.



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Arcadia Location

51 N. 5th Ave Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91006

Glendale Location

317 S Brand Blvd Suite A-104, Glendale, CA 91204

Palmdale Location

41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551