Which Spinal Cord Stimulator Waveform Fits Your Pain? | Vertrae® 360 Spine Talk (Ep. 34)

Spinal cord stimulation is often described like one single therapy — but in reality, SCS is a family of different waveforms, and each waveform can affect the nervous system differently.In this episode of Vertrae® 360 Spine Talk, we break down the major spinal cord stimulation options patients may hear about: tonic SCS, 10 kHz high-frequency SCS, burst stimulation, and closed-loop ECAP-controlled stimulation. The conversation explains why waveform selection matters for chronic pain, especially for patients with back-dominant pain, leg-dominant pain, mixed back and leg pain, paresthesia intolerance, or a spinal cord stimulator that has stopped working.You’ll hear how traditional tonic stimulation uses paresthesia, or tingling, to help mask pain, while newer options like 10 kHz SCS, burst SCS, and certain closed-loop SCS settings may provide paresthesia-free pain relief. The episode also explores why closed-loop stimulation is different: it listens to the spinal cord’s response and adjusts stimulation in real time.This episode also covers what happens when a spinal cord stimulator fails. A loss of relief from one waveform does not always mean SCS therapy has failed completely. For some patients, SCS rescue therapy, reprogramming, battery replacement, or switching waveforms may still provide meaningful relief before considering explant surgery.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.