You are right, the SCS is not a cure but rather a treatment. Patients have to go through a psych evaluation for insurance purposes before the trial, and this is an analogy that the psychologist shared with me. She said to think of the pain while the SCS is on like a tree in a snowstorm. The tree is still there and you can still see it, but it is a lot harder to see through the snow. The stimulator helps to block the pain signal to the brain, so the pain is less intense.

Having an SCS can make physical therapy easier to do, and a person should be able to accomplish more with it. I have been in physical therapy since May (and a total of 19 other weeks over a few rounds before that) so you can see that my doctor feels very strongly about it too. I owe so much to physical therapy and a great therapist, I have been able to accomplish more than I could have imagined, my progression of the RSD has been slowed, and I feel better walking out each time than when I walked in. After the surgery I am pretty sure my doctor wants me in PT at least for the first 6-8 weeks, which is the average time for the leads to become more secure. During this time it's no bending or twisting of the back, no lifting arms above the head, and no lifting more than 5 lbs.

If you'd like to read a more detailed description of my trial, I have this thread over on the SCS/Pain Pumps forum, that I have been updating during my experience: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread157880.html . Checking out that forum you will also find a ton of great information and really helpful people, I definitely suggest making your way over there!