Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in San Antonio, TX
Living with chronic pain affects every part of life—your energy, sleep, and ability to enjoy everyday moments. When surgery or medication hasn’t helped, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may offer lasting relief. At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, serving San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville, we specialize in advanced, non-surgical treatments like SCS.
Care is led by Dr. Rajesh K. Sharma, double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and Dr. Vrunda H. Pandya, fellowship-trained at Weill Cornell and board-certified in Anesthesiology. Their combined expertise helps ensure a personalized, evidence-based approach to spinal cord stimulation.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a cutting-edge therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. These impulses are delivered through a small device, similar to a pacemaker implanted near the spine. By altering the way your body perceives pain, SCS can significantly reduce chronic discomfort without relying on high-dose medications.
SCS is a well-established, FDA-approved treatment commonly used for a variety of chronic pain conditions. Many patients experience long-term improvement in their symptoms and a better quality of life after the procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced therapy designed for individuals living with chronic pain that hasn’t improved with traditional treatment options. If you’ve tried medications, physical therapy, injections, or even surgery without meaningful relief, SCS may be the next step in your journey toward a better quality of life.
This therapy is highly effective in managing a wide range of persistent pain conditions, including:
- Back pain that continues even after surgery
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Nerve pain, such as diabetic neuropathy
- Visceral pain originating from internal organs
- Spinal cord injuries with lingering discomfort
- Chronic angina not responsive to cardiac procedures
- Post-amputation phantom limb pain
These conditions often involve nerve-related pain signals that are difficult to control with medication alone—making SCS an ideal option for disrupting those signals and offering sustained relief.
At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, we comprehensively evaluate each patient’s candidacy for SCS. Beyond the physical symptoms, we also consider psychological and emotional readiness, as these factors are crucial in treatment success. If you’re struggling with chronic pain that has impacted your daily life despite trying less invasive solutions, we’re here to determine if spinal cord stimulation could be the personalized solution you’ve been waiting for.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation offers a range of benefits that make it an appealing option for managing chronic pain—especially when other treatments have failed. Patients often choose SCS because it delivers targeted relief with fewer risks and greater control.
Key benefits include:
- Adjustable Pain Control – The device can be personalized to your pain levels and adapted as your needs change.
- Minimally Invasive – The procedure involves only small incisions and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
- Reduced Opioid Dependency – Many patients experience less reliance on pain medications, including opioids.
- Low Maintenance – Once implanted, the device requires minimal ongoing care and fits easily into daily life.
- Proven Effectiveness – Backed by decades of research, SCS is a safe and reliable option for long-term pain relief.
For the right patient, SCS isn’t just a treatment—it’s a chance to regain freedom and control over everyday life.
What to Expect from Spinal Cord Stimulation
Two-Phase Procedure
The spinal cord stimulation process is designed to be both safe and patient-centered. It begins with a trial phase, where a temporary device is placed near the spinal cord to test how well it reduces your pain. This trial typically lasts about a week and allows you to assess how the therapy fits into your daily life. If successful, you’ll move forward with a permanent implant, placed through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure involving small incisions and a short recovery time.
Smooth Recovery, Meaningful Results
Most patients recover comfortably and can resume light activity within a few days. The primary goal of SCS is a 50% to 70% reduction in pain, which can significantly improve your ability to move, sleep, and participate in daily life. Many also experience a reduced need for pain medications as a result.
Understanding the Risks
While spinal cord stimulation is widely considered safe, it’s important to understand the potential risks. These may include infection, bleeding, or rare complications such as device displacement or spinal cord trauma. We believe in transparency, and during your consultation, we’ll clearly outline what to expect—benefits, risks, and everything in between.
Why Choose Freedom Spine & Pain Center for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, you’re cared for by highly trained, board-certified physicians with deep expertise in pain management. Dr. Rajesh K. Sharma is double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management and has completed extensive training, including a fellowship in Interventional Pain at Cook County Hospital. His background in internal medicine and anesthesiology provides a well-rounded, compassionate approach to chronic pain.
Dr. Vrunda H. Pandya, also board certified, trained at NYU and completed her fellowship at the prestigious Weill Cornell Hospital for Special Surgery. Practicing since 2009, she specializes in regional anesthesia and patient comfort before and after procedures.
Together, they bring decades of experience and a personalized approach to spinal cord stimulation—delivering safe, evidence-based care to patients across San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville.
Specialized Pain Relief in San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville, TX
At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, we’re proud to serve the communities of San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville with advanced, patient-centered care. Our team is committed to helping you manage chronic pain through proven, non-surgical treatments like spinal cord stimulation—always tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Whether you’re seeking an alternative to surgery or looking to reduce your reliance on pain medications, we’re here to guide you toward long-term relief. Contact us at 210-920-8945 to schedule a consultation and start your path to lasting comfort.
