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A NON-OPIOID ALTERNATIVE

Medtronic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a non-opioid alternative when other chronic pain treatments have failed, such as:

  • Physical therapy
  • Oral or transdermal medication
  • Injections or radio frequency
  • Surgery

HOW IT WORKS

SCS disrupts the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain. Stimulation is delivered by a neurostimulator — a device similar to a pacemaker — implanted under the skin.

The impulses travel from the device to the spine over thin insulated wires called leads.

Graphic showing how the neurostimulator uses leads to connect to the spine.

HIGH THERAPY SATISFACTION AND RECOMMENDATION RATES

Multiple clinical studies have shown the long-term effectiveness of SCS for chronic pain. Medtronic SCS therapy using the Intellis™ SCS system may give you both pain relief and improved function. In fact, patients in the Vectors Study* using the Intellis™ system reported the following results:1-4

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79% experienced a clinically significant reduction in overall, back and/or leg pain at 12 months

icon of arrow hitting the center of a target

70% achieved a personal activity goal by three months after implant

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85% were satisfied with SCS therapy at 12 months

icon of positive, thumbs-up sign

92% would recommend SCS therapy to others at three months after implant

SEE IF SCS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Learn about how you can trial the therapy first, to help you and your doctor decide if this therapy may be right for you.

LEARN ABOUT THE TRIAL
Man and woman use laptop in living room.

THERAPY WITH MEDTRONIC SCS

  • Discreet trialing system lets you try SCS before committing
  • World’s smallest SCS neurostimulator implant
  • Convenient wireless communication system that works with your life
  • Fast, convenient recharging — empty to full in approximately one hour
  • AdaptiveStim™ technology automatically adjusts the therapy as your body moves
  • Access to MRI scans anywhere on your body so you’re prepared for the future
Front view of the Medtronic Intellis Device with AdaptiveStim technology, used for spinal cord stimulation therapy

THE IMPLANT
PROCEDURE

Learn more about what to expect before, during, and after your implant procedure.

LEARN MORE

Find a Doctor

Find a pain management specialist who can answer your questions about SCS.

TALK TO
A NURSE

Speak to a registered nurse experienced in Medtronic spinal cord stimulation therapy.

SIGN UP TO TALK
*

Vectors was a study of SCS with a defined clinical protocol. Outcomes of 98 patients were evaluated at 3 months after implant, 96 at six months and 91 at 12 months with a Medtronic Intellis™ system. Patient experience may vary from clinical study results. 

MR-Conditional IconUnder specific conditions. Talk to your doctor and refer to product labeling for full list of conditions.

1

Fishman M, Mangal V, Hatheway J, et al. High dose (HD) and Low dose (LD) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the effective treatment of chronic back and leg pain: improvements in function. Poster presented at: American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians Annual Meeting. May 3-5, 2019; Las Vegas, NV.

2

Hatheway J, Fishman M, Mangal V et al. Vectors Post Market Study: Functional outcomes using spinal cord stimulation with high dose stimulation parameters. Presentation at NANS 2020, Las Vegas, Nevada.

3

Weaver T, Hatheway J, Fishman M et al. Vectors Post Market Study: Subject activity goals and satisfaction with spinal cord stimulation through 3 months.  Presentation at NANS 2020, Las Vegas, Nevada.

4

Fishman M, Davies L, Stromberg K et al. Vectors Post Market Study: SCS (HD) trialing duration and 12-Month Pain Relief following trial success. Presentation at NANS 2020, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.