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OVERVIEW SPINAL CORD STIMULATION


Learn how spinal cord stimulation can be used to treat chronic pain.
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Important Safety Information

A NON-OPIOID ALTERNATIVE

Medtronic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a non-opioid, FDA approved 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.

The leads deliver mild electrical impulses to an area near your spine. By interrupting pain signals between your spinal cord and your brain, the stimulator may help you get back to doing the everyday things you love most.

UNDERSTAND THE RISKS

Risks include infection, lead movement, pain at the implant site, and loss of therapy effectiveness, please discuss in detail with your doctor. Not everyone responds to SCS in the same way, and your experience may vary.
 
See Important Safety Information above for additional risk and safety information, and discuss with your doctor.
Graphic showing how the neurostimulator uses leads to connect to the spine.

Why Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)?

There are a number of choices when deciding what SCS system is right for you. You’ll want to select the SCS system that you and your doctor feel will have the features that benefit you most.
Medtronic is the only company that can provide you with all of these important features:

Personalized Pain Relief:

The Medtronic SCS system offers multiple settings to meet your personal pain relief needs and a neurostimulator that automatically adjusts the therapy as your body moves.  A recent study showed a unique way of programming –only available on the Medtronic device – led to profound back pain relief in a majority of patients. 

80 percent SCS

High-Performance Battery Options:

Rechargeable and recharge-free device options suit your needs and lifestyle.

Test Drive:

The trial system lets you temporarily and discreetly “test drive” SCS and decide if you want to move forward with receiving the device.

 

Unmatched MRI Access:

Some systems limit which parts of the body can be scanned. The Medtronic SCS system gives you access to MRI anywhere on your body* so you're prepared for the future.

Lung Infographic

Sleek and Small Devices:

Medtronic SCS devices are designed with your comfort in mind. Their thin size may give you enhanced comfort and may remain undetected under clothing.

VIEW SCS PRODUCTS

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.

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.

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*

MR-Conditional IconUnder 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

Desai MJ, Hargens LM, Breitenfeldt MD, et al. The rate of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spinal cord stimulation. Spine. 2015;40(9):E531-537.

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.

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Do you have additional questions about spinal cord stimulation? Sign up to speak with a Medtronic representative.

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