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Spinal Cord Stimulation
in San Antonio and Schertz, TX

Living with chronic pain that hasn't responded to other treatments can feel hopeless. At ReleviiMed Spine and Wellness, Dr. Manuel Ybarra offers spinal cord stimulation (SCS) — an advanced neuromodulation therapy that has helped patients throughout San Antonio, Schertz, and the Central Texas region reclaim their quality of life.

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If you've tried medications, physical therapy, and injections without lasting relief, spinal cord stimulation may be the solution you've been searching for.

What Is Spinal Chord Stimulation?

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Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses low-level electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. Instead of masking pain with medications, SCS addresses pain at its source — the nervous system.

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How does SCS Work

An SCS system consists of two main components:

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  1. Pulse Generator (Battery) — A small device implanted beneath the skin that generates electrical impulses

  2. Electrodes (Leads) — Thin wires placed in the epidural space near your spinal cord that deliver the impulses

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When activated, these gentle electrical pulses replace pain signals with a mild tingling sensation (paresthesia) or, with newer high-frequency systems, provide relief without any sensation at all. You control the level of stimulation using an external handheld controller, allowing you to adjust therapy based on your activity level and comfort.

What Conditions Does Spinal Chord Stimulation Address?

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  • Chronic back or leg pain
  • Neuropathic pain caused by conditions like diabetes or nerve injury
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
  • Radicular pain or sciatica
  • Pain that has not improved with conservative treatments
Happiness

Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

SCS is designed for patients with chronic pain lasting six months or longer who haven't found adequate relief from conservative treatments. You may be a candidate if you experience:

Conditions Treated with SCS

  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) — Persistent pain after one or more spinal surgeries

  • Chronic Back and Leg Pain — Including radiculopathy and sciatica

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — A condition causing severe burning pain, often in the limbs

  • Peripheral Neuropathy — Nerve damage causing pain, numbness, or weakness

  • Degenerative Disc Disease — Chronic pain from disc deterioration

  • Arachnoiditis — Inflammation of the protective membrane around spinal nerves

Ideal Candidates

  • Have tried and failed conservative treatments (physical therapy, medications, injections)

  • Do not have untreated psychiatric conditions that could affect outcomes

  • Are not good candidates for additional surgery

  • Have realistic expectations about pain reduction (typically 50% or greater improvement)

  • Are motivated to participate in a trial period before permanent implantation

Dr. Ybarra's Experience with Spinal Cord Stimulation

When choosing a provider for spinal cord stimulation, experience matters. Dr. Manuel Ybarra brings elite training and compassionate care to every patient.

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Training & Credentials

  • Fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Medicine at Rush University Medical Center — one of the nation's top medical institutions

  • Board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology with subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine

  • Medical degree from UT Health San Antonio

  • 13 years as Assistant Professor at UT Health San Antonio, training the next generation of pain physicians

  • 20+ years of experience in pain management and anesthesiology

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Awards & Recognition

Dr. Ybarra received the prestigious Kaitlin Selmeczi, M.D. Award from Rush University — an honor recognizing physicians who exemplify humanism, devotion, and compassion in patient care.

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Why This Matters for Your SCS Procedure

Successful spinal cord stimulation requires precise lead placement and thorough patient selection. Dr. Ybarra's advanced fellowship training at Rush University — combined with thousands of procedures performed over two decades — means you're receiving care from one of San Antonio's most qualified pain specialists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does spinal cord stimulation last?

Modern SCS systems are designed to provide long-term relief. The pulse generator battery typically lasts 5-10 years depending on usage, and rechargeable options can last 15+ years. When the battery depletes, a simple outpatient procedure replaces just the generator — the leads remain in place.

 Is the SCS trial painful?

The trial procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia with sedation available. Most patients report mild discomfort at the insertion site for a few days. At ReleviiMed, we offer sedation services to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

Can I have an MRI with a spinal cord stimulator?

Many modern SCS systems are MRI-compatible under specific conditions. Dr. Ybarra will discuss device options during your consultation and can recommend MRI-conditional systems if future imaging is a concern for you.

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