Hi, I had a spinal cord stimulator placed in September 2018 and it changed my life. I was on narcotics and having injections and many procedures for around 20 years. I still have some pain and having neck and shoulder pain now, but my lower back and leg pain is improved, and I'm off narcotics!!!

I tried the Tens machine but found it useless, pleasant but no help with the pain, someone on here said it was just to distract you from the pain, I'd rather have something to take it away for a while.

It can be a very helpful useful tool. Takes a little getting used to but it doesnt "hurt". Try the external TENS and if your trial seems to make any difference DO IT!# It helped me for a good while. Unfortunately, this only lasted for so long.

It really does reduce the pain -- I know it doesn't work for everybody, but it reduced my pain from a 9 to 10 daily down to about a 6!!!...I was unable to sleep before the placement and after I was sleeping all night until recently. I'm probably going in for treatment on my neck and shoulders soon. I'm sorry to hear they had problems inserting the trial leads -- I have heard that others had problems as well.
I hope this helps. Good luck

If you have ever used an external TENS unit, the spinal cord stimulator is similar; but it's actually placed internally. There are several different manufacturers....mine is made by Boston Scientific. The device comes with a remote control...there are leads that are placed on either side of the spinal column that are attached to the device. The impulses block the pain from reaching the brain. Boston Scientific has a website with great info on the device.