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Boston Scientific Neuromodulationhttp://www.ControlYourPain.com
Patient Care: (866) 360-4747
Learn About SCS
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a safe and effective therapy that has been used for more than 40 years to help people take control of their chronic pain. The Precision PlusTM SCS System, designed and built by Boston Scientific, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with chronic intractable pain of the trunk (low back) and/or limbs (legs).
To help you decide if SCS is right for you, it is important to understand what it is and how it works. The Precision Plus SCS System consists of implanted parts and external parts. There are two implanted parts: the Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG), which contains the advanced electronics and rechargeable battery, and the leads, which are the insulated wires that deliver the therapy.
The external parts of the system include the cordless remote control, which allows you to adjust the therapy according to your needs, and the battery charger and charging station, for recharging the IPG.
How SCS Works
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Pain is an electrical signal that travels along the spinal cord to the brain. |
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Thin, insulated wires, called leads, deliver the electrical impulses from the IPG to specific locations on the spinal cord, masking the pain signals. |
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The masked signals then travel to the brain where they are often perceived or felt as a smooth, tingling sensation called paresthesia. This sensation reduces the feeling of pain. |
Is SCS Therapy Right for You?
SCS may be an effective tool in reducing your chronic pain. However, it is important to understand that pain is unique to each individual. Not everything works the same for everyone.
SCS is one of several therapies used to help control severe, ongoing neuropathic pain. Other options, which doctors usually try first, include physical therapy, different types of drugs, injections and sometimes surgery. Talk to your Pain Management Specialist to find out if the Boston Scientific Precision Plus SCS System can help you take control of your pain.
SCS is generally considered successful if:- Your pain is significantly reduced
- You are able to get back to your daily activities
- You are able to relax and sleep better
Potential Benefits of SCS
Some of the benefits of SCS therapy include:- The ability to try the therapy before having a permanent system placed in your body. You can actually test drive (also known as a trial) the Boston Scientific Precision Plus SCS System to see if it helps control your pain before committing to a permanent system.
- While many Level 3 therapies are permanent, even a permanent SCS procedure is reversible. This means that even though the device is surgically implanted, it can always be turned off or surgically removed by your doctor.
- While SCS does not use medications or drugs to block pain signals, it can be used in conjunction with your medications.
- SCS therapy may help control difficult pain in the low back and legs – even when other therapies have failed.
- The Boston Scientific Precision Plus SCS System is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of chronic intractable pain of the trunk (low back) and/or limbs (legs).
- SCS is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare.
As with most therapies, there are risks associated with SCS. For more information, please consult your physician.
Test Drive the Precision PlusTM SCS System
An important benefit of SCS is being able to try the therapy before having a permanent system placed in your body. If your doctor recommends trying Precision Plus SCS therapy for help controlling your pain, then the next step is taking a test drive, often called a trial. During the test drive, your physician will place one or two temporary leads in your back. The temporary leads are connected to the External Trial Stimulator (ETS) and worn outside your body on a soft belt for approximately one to two weeks. The ETS produces the same feeling as the IPG, so you can experience what paresthesia feels like and see whether it significantly reduces your pain. This trial period allows you to assess the amount of pain reduction in the comfort of your own home.
A test drive, or trial, will help you answer the following questions:- Do I like how the therapy feels?
- Can SCS control my pain?
- Will SCS help me improve my ability to function and resume daily activities?
