How does a spinal cord stimulator differ from a tens machine? is there a significant benefit of one over other? stimulator worth the surgery? thx

Very different: A tens unit is used for musculoskeletal pain and is external to the body. A scs is primarily used for severe, and chronic pain from nerve injuries. A scs is surgically implanted near the spinal cord.

A TENS unit uses: Pads placed on the outside of the body and stimulates muscles and nerves from there and controls pain by way of a theory called the gate controls theory where it basically floods the fibers heading north and blocks pain signals. The spinal cord stimulator is internal, usually along spinal cord, sometimes not, that disrupts pain signals. Stimulators can be very beneficial in refractory pain.