Life After Spinal Cord Stimulation: Your Questions Answered
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Published in The Ospina Orthopedic Blog ~ 4 min read ~ Last Updated: August 14, 2025
A New Chapter in Your Pain Journey
For individuals who have navigated the healthcare system for years with a chronic condition, the decision to move forward with a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a significant one. It often marks the beginning of a new chapter: one that offers the possibility of improved function and a better quality of life.
After the procedure, however, it is completely normal to have questions about what this new chapter will look like. Adjusting to life with an implanted medical device involves a period of learning and adaptation. To provide clarity and confidence as you move forward, this guide answers some of the most common questions we hear from patients about living with a spinal cord stimulator.
The First Few Weeks: What to Expect During Recovery
The initial recovery period after your permanent SCS implant is a crucial phase designed to protect your new device and ensure its long-term success. While it may feel restrictive, this temporary period of caution is an investment in your future well-being. The primary goal is to allow the leads—the thin wires that deliver stimulation—to become securely anchored by your body’s natural healing process.
A full recovery typically takes between six to eight weeks. During this time, your physician will provide specific instructions, which generally include:
- Avoiding heavy lifting: You should not lift items weighing more than five pounds.
- Limiting certain movements: Activities that involve bending at the waist, twisting, or stretching your arms overhead should be avoided. These movements can pull on the newly placed leads.
- Wound care: Keeping the small incision sites clean and dry is essential to prevent infection. You will likely need to take sponge baths until your sutures are removed and the sites are fully healed.
Adhering to these guidelines is the best way to prevent lead migration—a potential complication where the leads shift out of their optimal position—and ensure you receive consistent and effective management of your symptoms for years to come.
Your Day-to-Day Life with an SCS: Common Questions
Once you have moved past the initial recovery phase, you will begin to establish a new normal. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about daily life.
Can I control my own stimulation?
Yes. You are in control of your therapy. Your physician will program the initial settings, but you will receive a handheld patient controller that works like a remote. This device empowers you to turn the stimulation on or off, adjust the intensity, and switch between different programs to best suit your needs throughout the day.
Can I shower, bathe, or swim?
During the one-to-two-week trial period, you cannot get the external components wet, so showering and bathing are not permitted. After the permanent implant, you must wait until your incisions have completely healed before showering. Swimming should be avoided for at least six to eight weeks post-procedure, and you should always get clearance from your doctor first.
Can I drive or operate machinery?
For your safety, you should turn your stimulator off before driving or operating heavy machinery. Sudden changes in stimulation levels could be distracting. However, you can typically ride as a passenger with the device turned on.
Will household appliances or security systems interfere with my device?
Normal household equipment, including computers and microwave ovens, are safe to use and will not interfere with your stimulator. Security systems at airports or department stores may detect your implant and can sometimes cause a temporary increase or decrease in the stimulation level, or even turn the device off. This does not harm the system. You will be given a patient identification card to carry with you, which can be presented to security personnel when you travel.
Can I get an MRI?
This is a critical and common question. In the past, MRI scans were not possible for patients with implanted stimulators. However, technology has advanced significantly, and many modern SCS systems are now designed to be MRI-compatible, allowing you to get scans on most parts of your body. It is absolutely essential to inform all of your healthcare providers and imaging technicians that you have an SCS device before any medical procedure.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Considerations
How much improvement can I realistically expect?
The goal of SCS therapy is significant improvement in pain and function, but it is important to set realistic expectations. The therapy does not treat the underlying source of pain, and it may not eliminate it completely. A successful outcome is typically defined as at least a 50% reduction in pain, which can lead to a dramatic improvement in quality of life, a decreased need for pain medications, and an increased ability to perform daily activities. Studies have shown that these positive results can be sustained for years.
Will I need another surgery to replace the battery?
The lifespan of your device depends on the type of battery it has and your usage patterns. Non-rechargeable batteries may last up to 11 years, while modern rechargeable batteries can last for 9 to 15 years or more before they need to be replaced. Replacing the generator is a minor outpatient procedure.
Will I be able to return to work or be more active?
For many patients, this is a primary goal, and SCS therapy often makes it possible. The ability to better manage pain can allow you to return to work, hobbies, and physical activities that were once impossible. This decision will be a collaborative one made between you and your physician, based on your recovery and personal health goals.
Your Partner in Long-Term Success
Living with a spinal cord stimulator is a journey that begins with an adjustment period and evolves into a new normal with greater control over your pain and life. The long-term success of this therapy is built on a strong partnership between you and your medical team. Regular follow-up appointments and open communication are key to ensuring your device is always optimized for your needs.
Whether you are considering a spinal cord stimulator or have questions about managing your current device, a thorough consultation is the best next step. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Kohler to discuss your personal health goals and create a comprehensive pain management strategy. Our team at Ospina Medical can help get you started with an SCS trial before you opt for a permanent implantation.
A Riley Publication ~ Branded Thought Leadership by Riley Partners and Publications, Inc.
Medically Reviewed by: Matthew Kohler, MD
References
Al-Kaisy, A., et al. (2014). Sustained effectiveness of 10 kHz high-frequency spinal cord stimulation for patients with chronic, low back pain: 24-month results of a prospective multicenter study. Pain Medicine, 15(3), 347-354.
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