Patients received conventional pharmacotherapy alone without any form of SCS.

Patients received stSCS in addition to conventional pharmacotherapy.

Patients received stSCS in addition to conventional pharmacotherapy. stSCS Procedure: Under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance, a temporary electrode (typically an 8-contact electrode) was percutaneously placed into the corresponding spinal cord segment (cervical C2-C4 or thoracic T8-T10, depending on the pain distribution area). The electrode was connected to an external stimulator to deliver continuous stimulation for 7-14 days. Stimulation parameters were as follows: frequency 40-60 Hz (conventional mode) or BurstDR mode, pulse width 210-450 μs, and amplitude individually adjusted based on the patient's sensory threshold (targeting a comfortable paresthesia covering the painful area). After the test period, the electrode was removed without a second-stage implantation. Postoperatively, patients continued receiving baseline pharmacotherapy, which could be reduced as appropriate.

The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by the NRS(0-10) recorded at baseline, immediately after stimulation termination (study group)/at the corresponding time point after treatment (control group), and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. The proportions of patients with an NRS reduction of ≥30% and ≥50% from baseline were also recorded, with the latter defined as treatment response.

NRS ranges from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Higher scores indicate worse pain.

The PSQI total score ranges from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate worse sleep quality