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. Many people experience less pain and improved quality of life after receiving Medtronic SCS.2,3
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 a Medtronic SCS System
EXCLUSIVE FEATURES, DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE
Trial the SCS system and decide if you want to move forward with receiving the device.
Sleek and small devices designed with your comfort in mind.
Convenient wireless therapy programmer works with your life.
High performing battery in both the rechargeable and recharge-free device options.
Access to MRI† anywhere on your body so you’re prepared for the future.
AdaptiveStim™ technology automatically adjusts the therapy as you move.
Personalize your pain relief using multiple setting options that best meet your needs.
CHOOSE THE SYSTEM THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Medtronic offers rechargeable and recharge-free SCS systems. Your doctor will help you decide which system is right for you.
 |
 |
|
| Options to suit your needs |
Intellis™ Rechargeable SCS | Vanta™ Recharge-free SCS |
| Personalized pain relief | ✔ | ✔ |
| Access to MRI anywhere on the body | ✔ | ✔ |
| Small, comfortable device size | ✔ | ✔ |
| Access to network of Medtronic Support | ✔ | ✔ |
| Industry-leading battery longevity | Up to 9 years** | Variable, based on programming* |
| Fast battery recharge | ✔ | n/a |
| Recharge-free convenience | n/a | ✔ |
| *Recharge-free devices are parameter dependent, and longevity can vary depending on settings. Vanta™ SCS can last up to 11 years. **For more information on our 9-year warranty of the neurostimulator, contact rs.rtgwarrenty@medtronic.com. |
||
Personalised Pain Relief:
The Medtronic SCS system offers multiple settings to meet your personal pain relief needs. A recent study on the rechargeable device looked at a unique way your doctor can program the Medtronic neurostimulator. It showed this unique way of programming, that’s only available on the Medtronic rechargeable device, led to profound back pain relief in a majority of patients.1
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
GETTING AN MRI
In the future, you may need an MRI to diagnose an illness. Learn more about planning for an MRI.
RECHARGING YOUR DEVICE
Learn more about recharging your neurostimulator battery.
†
Under specific conditions. Talk to your doctor and refer to product labeling for full list of conditions.
1
Fishman M, Cordner H, Justiz R, et al. 12-Month Results from Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Differential Target Multiplexed Spinal Cord Stimulation and Traditional Spinal Cord Stimulation in Subjects with Chronic Intractable Back Pain and Leg Pain. Pain Pract. 2021. Aug 7. doi: 10.1111/papr.13066. Epub ahead of print.
2
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.
3
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.
Medical Disclaimer
Information contained herein is not medical advice and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. Discuss indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events and any further information with your health care professional.