Chronic pain is the most prevalent cause of functional disability, and has a negative impact on work-related outcomes. One approach that can counter severe chronic pain and help to rehab of subjects on their work is Spinal Cord Stimulation. The following study results affirm that spinal cord stimulation is an effective approach which can make patients with specific chronic pain syndromes to improve work-related outcomes.

Chronic pain negatively impacts work-related outcomes, which means that to overcome this burden treatment approaches should be assessed. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) provides significant relief from pain in specific chronic pain syndromes. This review aimed to recognize and compile evidence on returning to work among patients with chronic pain managed with SCS.

The SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE were searched for studies till October 2017 to carry out a systematic literature review. A modified version of the Downs & Black checklist used to determine the risk of bias. The data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis, wherever it was possible. The study protocol was registered before the beginning of the review process.

A total of 15 full-text articles were selected with low risk of bias. Seven trials gave adequate data and were assessed similar enough to be combined for meta-analysis on binary results. Higher prevalence of patients at work was noticed as a result of SCS intervention. This approach also appears in considerable odds to return to work.

Based on the available record, SCS proved to be an efficient method to stimulate the return to work in patients with particular chronic pain characteristics.