Tom’s Journey: How Spinal Cord Stimulation Changed His Life

For patients living with chronic pain, especially after multiple back surgeries, hope can feel out of reach. Medications may dull symptoms temporarily, but they often don’t restore mobility or quality of life. At Washington Pain Center, Dr. John Dombrowski offers advanced solutions like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to give patients a second chance at relief.

 
 

This is Tom’s story.

Years of Pain After Back Surgery

Tom had undergone three separate back surgeries. While each offered short-lived relief, the pain always came back. He tried medications and other therapies, but nothing truly worked.

By the time he came to Washington Pain Center, Tom described himself as being in “intense pain for years.”

Finding a Different Path

Dr. Dombrowski began with conservative procedures, such as injections, which provided some temporary benefit. However, they weren’t enough to give Tom lasting improvement. Together, they discussed spinal cord stimulation, an FDA-approved treatment designed for patients with chronic back or leg pain who haven’t found success with other therapies.

Immediate Relief with Spinal Cord Stimulation

Tom’s experience with SCS was remarkable. As soon as the device was placed and turned on, the results were clear:

  • His pain was dialed down instantly

  • He was able to walk long distances again

  • He could complete a full lap around the mall without discomfort

“It has been life-changing,” Tom shared.

Safe, Simple, and Long-Lasting

Tom was surprised by how easy the procedure was. Done in an office setting, it was minimally invasive and required no long hospital stay. Best of all, SCS technology allows for remote programming adjustments — so even though Tom lives in North Carolina, he doesn’t need frequent trips to Washington, DC, for follow-ups.

Why It Matters

Spinal cord stimulation offers real hope for patients who have tried surgery, medications, and other treatments without success. For Tom, it was his “last resort,” and it restored the ability to live and move without constant pain.

Conclusion

If you or someone you love is living with chronic back or leg pain after surgery—or if medications and injections have failed—spinal cord stimulation may be an option worth exploring.

 Schedule a consultation today to learn more.

📍 Visit us at dcpaindoc.com

📞 Call (202) 883-8001 to schedule a consultation.

Discover how Washington Pain Center helps patients reclaim their lives from chronic pain.

John Dombrowski, MD The Washington Pain Center