Spinal Cord Stimulation in Napa, CA

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a type of neuromodulation, a category of treatments that use targeted electrical impulses to change how your nervous system processes pain. A small device placed near the spinal cord delivers gentle electrical signals that interrupt pain messages before they reach the brain. Instead of feeling the full intensity of chronic pain, many patients experience significant relief.

SCS does not cure the underlying condition causing your pain. What it can do is reduce your brain's perception of that pain, helping you return to daily activities, sleep better, and depend less on pain medications. Research has shown that SCS modulates pain through multiple pathways, including inhibition of ascending pain signals and activation of the body's own pain-relief systems (Sun et al., Neural Plasticity, 2021).

Two features make spinal cord stimulation especially important for patients weighing their options:

• Reversible. Unlike many procedures, SCS can be removed at any time if it is not providing the relief you expected. No permanent changes are made to your spine or nervous system.

• Adjustable. The electrical signals can be reprogrammed and fine-tuned over time as your needs change. Your treatment evolves with you.

Modern spinal cord stimulation technology has advanced significantly. Today's devices offer multiple stimulation patterns designed to match different types of pain. Some newer approaches are designed to replicate natural nerve firing patterns, which may provide relief without the tingling sensation associated with earlier devices.

A 2024 network meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open reviewed 13 randomized clinical trials involving 1,561 patients and found that both conventional and newer spinal cord stimulation therapies were significantly more effective than standard medical management for reducing chronic back and leg pain (Huygen et al., JAMA Network Open, 2024).

Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is typically considered after conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief. If you have tried physical therapy, medications, injections, and other therapies without lasting improvement, SCS may be an appropriate next step.

Conditions commonly treated with spinal cord stimulation include:

• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Persistent or recurring pain after one or more spinal surgeries is one of the most well-established indications for SCS.

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This chronic condition causes severe, often burning pain in an arm or leg, and can be difficult to manage with conventional treatments alone.

• Chronic neuropathic pain and peripheral neuropathy. Pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction may respond well to the targeted electrical impulses delivered by spinal cord stimulation.

• Chronic back and leg pain. Ongoing pain in the lower back, legs, or both that has not improved with other approaches.

• Post-surgical pain. Persistent pain following surgical procedures that does not resolve during the expected recovery period.

• Degenerative disc disease with nerve involvement. When degenerating or damaged spinal discs cause nerve compression and chronic pain, SCS may help manage symptoms that have not responded to other interventions.

• Refractory angina and chronic chest pain. For patients with persistent heart-related pain that has not responded to standard cardiac treatments, spinal cord stimulation is a recognized option supported by European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines.

• Pain related to spinal cord injury. Emerging research supports the use of SCS for managing chronic pain following spinal cord injury, particularly when combined with rehabilitation (Chalif et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024).

A systematic review of 10 clinical studies found that SCS consistently demonstrated favorable outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement, even in patients with chronic back pain who had not undergone prior spinal surgery (Eckermann et al., Neuromodulation, 2021). Clinical guidelines also position SCS as a recommended treatment option for failed back surgery syndrome and painful neuropathy when earlier therapies have been insufficient (Moisset et al., Revue Neurologique, 2020).

Not every patient is a candidate for spinal cord stimulation. Dr. Weisbein conducts a thorough evaluation to determine whether SCS is appropriate for your specific condition, pain pattern, and treatment history.

If you are living with chronic back pain, lower back pain, or spinal stenosis that has not responded to conservative treatment, schedule a consultation to discuss whether spinal cord stimulation may be right for you.

How the SCS Trial Works

One of the most important features of spinal cord stimulation is that you get to experience the therapy before making any long-term commitment. Every SCS journey begins with a trial period designed to help you and Dr. Weisbein determine whether this treatment is effective for your specific pain.

What Happens During the Trial

During a brief outpatient procedure, Dr. Weisbein places thin, flexible leads (small wires) near your spinal cord. These leads connect to a small external generator that you wear outside your body. The device delivers gentle electrical impulses to the targeted area of your spine.

The trial typically lasts 5 to 7 days. During this time, you go home and continue your normal daily routine while the temporary system is active. You experience spinal cord stimulation in your real life, not in a clinical setting, so the results reflect what you can genuinely expect.

How Success Is Measured

Dr. Weisbein evaluates the trial based on your reported pain levels, functional improvement, and overall quality of life during the trial period. A reduction of 50% or more in pain intensity is generally considered a successful trial outcome.

If the trial is successful, you and Dr. Weisbein can discuss moving forward with a permanent implant. If the trial does not provide the level of relief you were hoping for, the temporary leads are simply removed. No permanent changes have been made to your body, and all other treatment options remain available to you.

Research involving 286 patients confirmed that the SCS trial phase is a reliable predictor of long-term treatment outcomes, with low false-positive rates when using standard trial methods (Simopoulos et al., Neuromodulation, 2017).

The Permanent SCS Implant Procedure

After a successful trial, the next step is placing the permanent spinal cord stimulation system. This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that Dr. Weisbein performs at an accredited surgical facility in Napa.

Before the Procedure

Dr. Weisbein reviews your trial results and discusses the permanent implant plan with you. She selects the device configuration best suited to your specific pain pattern and the areas that responded during your trial. You receive pre-procedure instructions, including any temporary medication adjustments.

During the Procedure

You are given local anesthesia and light sedation so you remain comfortable but do not feel pain. Dr. Weisbein places the permanent leads near your spinal cord and positions a small pulse generator beneath the skin, typically in the upper buttock or lower abdomen area. The leads and generator are connected, and the system is tested before the incision is closed. You remain awake during the procedure, which allows Dr. Weisbein to confirm that the stimulation is reaching the right areas in real time (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

The procedure typically takes one to two hours. Most patients go home the same day.

What Makes This Different from Major Spine Surgery

Spinal cord stimulation does not involve removing bone, cutting muscle, or altering spinal structures. The device is placed in the epidural space outside the spinal cord. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery is significantly shorter than traditional spinal operations, and the risks associated with open surgery do not apply.

Risks and Considerations

Like any medical procedure, spinal cord stimulation carries potential risks. Understanding these risks is an important part of making an informed decision about your care.

Possible risks include:

• Infection. Infection at the incision site or around the implanted device.

• Lead migration. Where the thin wires shift slightly from their original position, which may require a follow-up adjustment.

• Discomfort at the generator site. Particularly during the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the implanted device.

• Inadequate pain relief. Where the stimulation does not provide the level of improvement expected.

• Hardware malfunction. Uncommon with modern devices but can occur over time.

Serious complications are rare. The trial period described earlier in this page significantly reduces the risk of a poor outcome, because you and Dr. Weisbein have already confirmed that spinal cord stimulation is effective for your pain before the permanent system is placed.

Dr. Weisbein discusses all potential risks and benefits with you in detail during your consultation. Her experience with thousands of neuromodulation procedures over a decade and a half allows her to identify the patients most likely to benefit and to minimize complications through precise lead placement and careful patient selection. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people who undergo spinal cord stimulation experience a meaningful reduction in pain, though individual results vary.

If at any point the device is not meeting your expectations, it can be removed or adjusted. This reversibility is one of the key advantages of spinal cord stimulation compared to permanent surgical interventions.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

For patients who respond well to the trial, spinal cord stimulation can provide meaningful, lasting improvements across multiple areas of daily life.

Clinically supported benefits include:

• Significant pain reduction. A 2024 meta-analysis of 13 randomized clinical trials found that patients receiving spinal cord stimulation were significantly more likely to achieve at least 50% pain relief compared to those managed with medications alone (Huygen et al., JAMA Network Open, 2024).

• Reduced dependence on pain medications. Many patients are able to decrease or eliminate their use of opioids and other pain medications after successful SCS placement. Research has shown that SCS therapy is associated with meaningful reductions in medication use (Eckermann et al., Neuromodulation, 2021).

• Improved daily function. Activities that chronic pain had made difficult or impossible may become manageable again. Patients frequently report being able to return to walking, exercising, working, and enjoying time with family.

• Better sleep. Chronic pain disrupts sleep for many people. By reducing pain intensity, spinal cord stimulation can help restore more consistent, restful sleep patterns.

• Long-term adjustability. Unlike a one-time procedure with fixed results, your SCS device can be reprogrammed as your needs change. Dr. Weisbein works with you over time to optimize your settings for the best possible outcome.

• Reversibility. If your situation changes or the therapy is no longer needed, the device can be removed without permanent alterations to your spine or nervous system.

The goal of spinal cord stimulation is not to eliminate all pain. It is to reduce pain enough that you can reclaim your quality of life. For many patients, that means returning to the activities that matter most, whether that is hiking through Napa Valley, playing with grandchildren, or simply getting through a workday without being limited by pain.

Learn more about what patients can expect from SCS therapy in our blog posts on how to tell if your spinal cord stimulator is working and real patient outcomes.

What to Expect After Your SCS Procedure

Most patients go home the same day as their permanent SCS implant. Understanding what to expect during recovery helps you plan ahead and get the most from your treatment.

The First 1 to 2 Weeks

Some soreness at the incision sites is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Dr. Weisbein may recommend limiting bending, twisting, and heavy lifting during the initial healing period to allow the leads to stabilize in position. Light walking and gentle daily activities are usually encouraged from the start.

Weeks 2 Through 6

As the incision heals, you can gradually return to more of your regular activities. During this time, Dr. Weisbein and her team program and adjust your device settings to optimize pain relief for your specific needs. Most patients have one or more follow-up appointments to fine-tune the stimulation patterns.

Long-Term Management

Once your device is fully programmed and you have healed, spinal cord stimulation requires minimal ongoing maintenance. Periodic follow-up visits allow Dr. Weisbein to monitor your progress, update your device settings if needed, and ensure the system continues to perform well. Many patients find that their pain relief remains stable or improves over time as programming is refined.

Battery life varies depending on the type of device and your stimulation settings. Some devices use rechargeable batteries that can last several years before requiring replacement, while others may need periodic battery replacement through a brief outpatient procedure. Dr. Weisbein discusses the specific device options and their expected longevity during your consultation (Mayo Clinic).

Why Choose Dr. Weisbein for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Napa?

Choosing who performs your spinal cord stimulation matters. The physician's experience, training, and approach to patient care directly influence the quality of your outcome. Dr. Weisbein brings a combination of national-level expertise and personalized, physician-led care that is uncommon in any market, and especially rare in the Napa Valley region.

Advanced Training and Credentials

Dr. Weisbein is double board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, with fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management. This combination of certifications means she evaluates pain from multiple angles, not just one, and builds treatment plans that address every contributing source.

National Recognition in Neuromodulation

With thousands of neuromodulation procedures performed over a decade and a half, Dr. Weisbein is recognized as one of the nation's top neuromodulation implanters. She does not just perform spinal cord stimulation — she actively trains other physicians in advanced neuromodulation techniques at national training labs. Her leadership in the field includes serving on the Board of Directors of Women Innovators in Pain Management (WIPM), former Chair of Women in Neuromodulation for the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), and former Vice President of Diversity for the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN). She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Pacific Spine and Pain Society.

Physician-Led, Boutique Practice Model

At Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, Dr. Weisbein personally oversees your care from initial consultation through every stage of treatment and follow-up. You are not handed off to a technician or mid-level provider for your procedure. This level of direct physician involvement is a hallmark of her practice and a key reason patients from across Napa Valley travel to see her, including those from Yountville, St. Helena, American Canyon, Sonoma, Fairfield, and Vallejo.

A Comprehensive Approach to Chronic Pain

Spinal cord stimulation is one part of a broader range of advanced interventional treatments Dr. Weisbein offers. Depending on your specific pain pattern, she may also recommend complementary approaches such as spinal injections, vertebrogenic pain treatment, or SI joint stabilization. Her goal is to identify every source of your pain and address each one with the most effective, least invasive option available. Learn more about Dr. Weisbein and her team on our provider page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Stimulation

How much does spinal cord stimulation cost?

The cost of spinal cord stimulation varies depending on the type of device, the complexity of your case, and your insurance coverage. Most major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover spinal cord stimulation when medical necessity criteria are met. Dr. Weisbein's office can help verify your specific coverage before you begin treatment.

Do spinal cord stimulators really work?

Clinical research supports the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. A 2024 meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials found that SCS was significantly more effective than conventional medical management for reducing chronic back and leg pain (Huygen et al., JAMA Network Open, 2024). Individual results vary, and the trial period allows you to evaluate effectiveness before committing to a permanent implant.

Will insurance pay for a spinal cord stimulator?

Many insurance plans cover spinal cord stimulation, including most private insurers, Medicare, and some Medicaid programs. Coverage typically requires documentation that conservative treatments have been tried without adequate relief. Dr. Weisbein's team can work with your insurance provider to obtain prior authorization and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs.

How do you qualify for a spinal cord stimulator?

Candidates for spinal cord stimulation have typically tried and not responded adequately to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. You must also have a diagnosable pain condition that is expected to respond to neuromodulation. Dr. Weisbein conducts a comprehensive evaluation including a review of your medical history, imaging, and previous treatments before recommending SCS.

What is the spinal cord stimulation trial?

The trial is a temporary test period, usually lasting 5 to 7 days, where small leads are placed near the spinal cord and connected to an external device. You go home and evaluate the therapy in your daily life. If the trial achieves meaningful pain relief — typically a 50% or greater reduction — you and Dr. Weisbein can discuss proceeding with a permanent implant.

Is spinal cord stimulation reversible?

Yes. One of the key advantages of spinal cord stimulation is that it is fully reversible. If the therapy is not providing adequate relief or your situation changes, the device can be removed at any time without permanent changes to your spine or nervous system.

How long does recovery take after SCS implantation?

Most patients go home the same day. Initial soreness at the incision sites typically resolves within a few days. Activity restrictions such as avoiding heavy lifting and twisting are usually recommended for the first two to six weeks. Full recovery and final device programming are generally complete within six weeks.

What is the difference between SCS and DRG stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to reduce pain over broad areas such as the back and legs. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation targets specific nerve roots and is designed for more localized, focal pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome or pain isolated to a specific area like the foot or knee. Dr. Weisbein is trained in both techniques and can recommend the approach best suited to your pain pattern.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are living with chronic pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, spinal cord stimulation may be an option worth exploring. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Weisbein to determine whether SCS is appropriate for your specific condition and pain pattern.

New patients: Call (707) 254-7117 or submit an online appointment request.

Existing patients: Call (707) 603-1078.

Telehealth appointments are available and most insurance plans now cover telemedicine visits.

Dr. Weisbein accepts insurance for covered services. Her office is located at 3273 Claremont Way, Suite 100, Napa, CA 94558, serving patients throughout Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the surrounding North Bay communities.

Medical Disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented reflects an interventional pain management perspective and is intended to support, not substitute, your relationship with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results vary based on diagnosis, pain duration, overall health, and response to treatment. Some procedures may not be covered by insurance. Treatment outcomes depend on proper patient selection and accurate diagnosis. Spinal cord stimulation requires a minimally invasive implant procedure and is typically considered after more conservative treatments have been tried. Not all patients are candidates for this therapy. Always consult a board-certified physician before pursuing any pain management treatment.

Medically reviewed by Jacqueline Weisbein, DO
Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group
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Last reviewed: April 2026.