LIFE WITH SCS SPINAL CORD STIMULATION
Learn more about what to expect from therapy after you've received a spinal cord stimulator.
DAILY LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD STIMULATION
If successful, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can help you manage certain types of chronic pain that have not responded to other treatments and improve your ability to participate in your usual daily activities.1,2 Many people experience less pain and improved quality of life after receiving Medtronic SCS.
After the initial healing period, neurostimulation therapy for pain relief will become a regular part of your day.
The neurostimulator:
- Does not usually show through clothes
- May be felt as a bump under your skin
- Can be adjusted using a handheld therapy programmer
If your neurostimulator has AdaptiveStim™ technology, it automatically adjusts stimulation levels based on your preferred settings for different body positions.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Setting realistic goals is key to overall satisfaction with SCS therapy. It’s important to remember that your neurostimulator will not eliminate the source of your pain or cure any underlying disease. But it can help relieve your pain.
Overcoming back and leg pain requires a commitment from you, including learning to use the neurostimulation therapy programmer. You may also need to use other pain treatments, such as physical therapy, to give yourself the best chance of success.
INTRODUCTION TO SCS THERAPY
Watch to learn more about what to expect from SCS for chronic pain.
WHY CHOOSE INTELLIS™ SCS
EXCLUSIVE FEATURES, DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE
World’s smallest SCS neurostimulator implant
Convenient wireless therapy programmer works with your life
Fast recharging from empty to full in approximately one hour
Access to MRI† anywhere on your body so you’re prepared for the future
AdaptiveStim™ technology automatically adjusts the therapy as you move
SMALL DEVICE, MIGHTY BATTERY
The Intellis™ SCS system provides fast and convenient recharge capabilities for patients, making recharging an easy part of your routine. Powered by Medtronic Overdrive™ battery technology, the Intellis™ SCS system features:
- Fast battery recharge
- Minimal loss of charging capacity over time
- Smallest size device — ideal for an active lifestyle
- Industry leading warranty, covering the entire life of the implanted neurostimulator (INS)*
PERSONALIZED THERAPY. EASY AND AUTOMATIC.
With some SCS systems, you need to use a handheld therapy programmer to change stimulation levels and pain targets as you change positions — for example, when you go from sitting to standing or rolling from your stomach onto your back.
The Intellis™ SCS system with AdaptiveStim™ technology is different. It automatically adjusts the therapy as you move, so you don’t have to.
88.7%‡
report better pain relief with AdaptimStim™ technology vs. conventional stimulation.3,4
AdaptiveStim™ technology is only available with AdaptiveStim™ neurostimulator, model 97715.
AdaptiveStimTM adjusts therapy based on seven body positions:
VERSATILE THERAPY OPTIONS
Medtronic offers multiple SCS therapy settings to meet the unique needs of each patient. Some patients respond to different types of stimulation or a combination of therapy options.
Stimulation is often associated with a pleasant, tingling sensation, which is focused on providing pain relief and patient comfort, depending on individual patient needs and preferences.
GETTING A REPLACEMENT
Neurostimulators are designed to last for several years. Ask your doctor when a replacement may be recommended.
LEARN ABOUT REPLACEMENTRECHARGING YOUR DEVICE
Learn more about recharging your neurostimulator battery.
LEARN ABOUT RECHARGINGLEARN ABOUT GETTING AN MRI
In the future, you may need an MRI to diagnose an illness. Learn more about planning for an MRI.
LEARN ABOUT MRI
*
For more information on our 9 year limited warranty of the INS, contact rs.rtgwarranty@medtronic.com
†
Under specific conditions. Talk to your doctor and refer to product labeling for full list of conditions.
‡
RestoreSensor™ Clinical Study compared AdaptiveStim™ technology to Medtronic conventional stimulation; 88.7% is based on analysis of one of two questions that comprised the primary endpoint of improved convenience and/or better pain relief. Percentage based on respondents who completed the pain relief question.
1
Kumar K, Taylor RS, Jacques L, et al. Spinal cord stimulation versus conventional medical management for neuropathic pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial in patients with failed back surgery syndrome. Pain. 2007;132:179-188.
2
Kumar K, et al. The Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Neuropathic Pain Are Sustained: A 24-month Followup of the Prospective Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial of the Effectiveness of Spinal Cord Stimulation. Neurosurgery. 2008; 63:762-770.
3
Medtronic advanced pain therapy using neurostimulation for chronic pain. Clinical Summary, 2017. M221494A010 Rev C.
4
Schultz D, Webster L, Kosek P, et al. Sensor-driven position-adaptive spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. Pain Physician. 2012;15(1):1-12.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.