FIND PERSONALIZED PAIN RELIEF
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Boston Scientific’s SCS therapy is clinically proven to provide effective, lasting relief from chronic pain. It’s safe, drug-free, and FDA-approved. And it can be personalized to your unique pain.
FIND PERSONALIZED PAIN RELIEF
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Boston Scientific’s SCS therapy is clinically proven to provide effective, lasting relief from chronic pain. It’s safe, drug-free, and FDA-approved. And it can be personalized to your unique pain.
Is SCS right for me?
SCS therapy might be a good fit for you if you have:
- Chronic pain that’s lasted six months or more
- Pain in your back, legs, feet, or a combination of those areas due to:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
- Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) of the lower extremities
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Radicular Pain Syndrome
- Other neuropathic pain conditions
A pain management specialist can tell you if SCS therapy may be right for you.
See the complete SCS indications and contraindications.
treatment options just for you
See if SCS may be right for you
Answer a few questions about your symptoms. It should take less than five minutes, and you’ll get information about solutions that might work for you.
Get started
Have you been suffering from pain for more than 6 months?
How does SCS work?
You feel pain when your nerves send pain signals to your brain through your spinal cord. Your SCS System is designed to interrupt those signals, so you don’t feel them as pain.
The SCS System is made up of a stimulator and leads, which are placed in your back. The stimulator sends mild pulses through the leads. These pulses interrupt pain signals on their way to your brain.
Stimulator
A small device called a spinal cord stimulator is implanted under your skin.
Leads
Thin, flexible leads are connected to your stimulator, and placed near specific nerves in your back.
Pulses
Your stimulator sends mild pulses through the leads to your nerves. The pulses interrupt the pain signals on their way to your brain, before you feel them.
Getting you back to everyday life
The goal of SCS therapy is to get you back to doing the everyday things you enjoy. How? With long term relief you can rely on.
Need proof? One major clinical study showed that patients using Boston Scientific’s SCS therapies reported a greater improvement in their ability to do everyday activities† after two years than patients using non-Boston Scientific SCS Systems after three months.2, 3, 4 That means lasting, long-term improvement.
See the proof
Clinical studies and trials have shown that SCS is effective in relieving chronic pain.
100K+ people treated
Over 100,000 people across the globe have found pain relief from Boston Scientific SCS therapy. Relief that’s long-term, drug-free, FDA-approved, and effective.
90% success rate in trials
More than 90% of Boston Scientific SCS trial participants reported a successful experience and decided to get the permanent implant.1
95% would recommend
9 out of 10 Boston Scientific SCS patients said they were satisfied with their therapy. 95% would recommend it to others.1
Try SCS first
Take SCS for a short “test-drive” before you commit. You can try a temporary trial system for three to seven days to see if SCS is right for you. If your results are successful, your doctor can help you move forward with a permanent implant.
Significant long-term relief
Another major clinical study showed great results from SCS. Patients with severe low-back pain (8 or above on a 0-10 pain scale) reported a nearly 6-point drop in pain score after two years.5
Frequently Asked Questions
Will SCS allow me to be free of pain medications?
Some people may reduce their need for pain medications entirely with SCS therapy. Individual results will vary.
Is SCS reversible?
Yes. Even though your leads and stimulator are surgically implanted, your doctor can disengage or remove them as needed.
Can I get an MRI scan with my SCS system?
Not all devices are MRI conditional, but the WaveWriter AlphaTM Systems allow for access to full-body MRI scans under specified conditions.
How big is the stimulator? Will I feel it under my skin?
The stimulator is about the size of a silver dollar and placed in a spot that’s comfortable for you. You might feel it if it’s pressed on, but most people don’t notice it, and others can’t see it.
Can I actually control the SCS therapy?
Yes. A key benefit of SCS is that you can adjust your therapy settings to respond to changes in your pain or switch between programs if you prefer different therapies during different activities.
The mySCS GO™ Therapy Controller App* is designed to make controlling your Boston Scientific SCS System quick and simple. The innovative app comes already loaded on an Android smart device, and provides:
- Greater personalization of your therapy
- The ability to switch between programs quickly and easily
- The ability to adjust the level of your stimulation
- User-friendly, touchscreen controls
How often will I need to recharge the stimulator battery?
You decide on a recharging schedule that best fits your needs. Most people choose to charge based on a routine that fits their lifestyle, like during their favorite weekly TV show. Your wireless remote control will also tell you when your implant battery is low and needs recharging.
How convenient is it to recharge the stimulator battery?
Recharging the stimulator battery is designed to be very simple. The charger is lightweight, wireless, and portable, so you can even charge on the go. During charging, you use a soft cloth belt (included with the charger) to help place and keep the charger over the device.
Will my insurance cover SCS?
SCS is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare, commercial insurance, and workers’ compensation. Your doctor will need to secure preauthorization by providing your insurer with the required documentation. For specific details about coverage, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs, consult your doctor’s office or your insurance provider directly.
SCS resources
Find the tools you need to take your next step. Order or download information kits, guides and brochures — including our Doctor Discussion Guide — videos, and more.
Free SCS information kit
Order a free, in-depth information kit on spinal cord stimulation (SCS).
Request an SCS info kit
Doctor Discussion Guide
Use this simple guide to start a conversation with your doctor, ask the right questions, and advocate for yourself.
Download the Guide
Patient Ambassador Program
The Boston Scientific Patient Ambassador Program puts you in touch with people who have experienced lasting pain relief with SCS.
Download the Ambassador brochure
References
Thomson SJ, Kruglov D, Duarte RV. A spinal cord stimulation service review from a single centre using a single manufacturer over a 7.5 year follow-up period. Neuromodulation. 2017;20(6):589-599. N=321
Clark S. Metzger, M. Blake Hammond, Jose F. Paz-Solis, William J. Newton, Simon J. Thomson, Yu Pei, Roshini Jain, Michael Moffitt, Luca Annecchino & Que Doan (2021) A novel fast-acting sub-perception spinal cord stimulation therapy enables rapid onset of analgesia in patients with chronic pain, Expert Review of Medical Devices, DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1890580. (N=41)
FAST MOA computational modeling by Dr. Warren Grill’s lab at Duke University. Gilbert et al., Computational modeling predicts dorsal columns are involved in fast-acting sub-perception spinal cord stimulation (SCS). SFN 2021.
Wallace MS, North JM, Phillips GM, Calodney AK, Scowcroft JA, Popat-Lewis BU, Lee JM, Washabaugh EP 3rd, Paez J, Bolash RB, Noles J, Atallah J, Shah B, Ahadian FM, Trainor DM, Chen L, Jain R. Combination therapy with simultaneous delivery of spinal cord stimulation modalities: COMBO randomized controlled trial. Pain Manag. 2023 Mar;13(3):171-184.
Kapural, Cong Yu, et al. Novel 10-kHz High-frequency Therapy (HF10 Therapy) Is Superior to Traditional Low-frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation 90for the Treatment of Chronic Back and Leg Pain: The SENZA-RCT Randomized Controlled Trial. Anesthesiology 2015; 123:851 -860
*For a list of compatible devices, visit www.myscsjourney.com/mySCSGO
§The physician locator tool identifies pain management specialists in your area who have met certain qualifying criteria and are experienced with one or more of Boston Scientific pain management therapies. All treatment options should be discussed thoroughly with a pain management specialist.
Indications for Use: The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Systems* are indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with the following: Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Types I and II, Intractable low back pain and leg pain, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the lower extremities, Radicular pain syndrome, Radiculopathies resulting in pain secondary to failed back syndrome or herniated disc, Epidural fibrosis, Degenerative disc disease (herniated disc pain refractory to conservative and surgical interventions), Arachnoiditis, Multiple back surgeries.
The Boston Scientific Spectra WaveWriter™, WaveWriter Alpha™ and WaveWriter Alpha™ Prime SCS Systems are also indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable unilateral or bilateral low back and leg pain without prior back surgery.
*The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Systems include the following: Precision™ System, Precision Spectra™ System, Precision Novi™ System, Precision Montage™ MRI System, Spectra WaveWriter™ System, WaveWriter Alpha™ System, WaveWriter Alpha™ Prime System.
Note: CRPS I was previously referred to as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and CRPS II was previously referred to as causalgia.
The mySCS™ Go Therapy Controller is intended to communicate with and control the compatible Boston Scientific Stimulator.
Contraindications: The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator systems are not for patients who are unable to operate the system, have failed trial stimulation by failing to receive effective pain relief, are poor surgical candidates, or are pregnant.
Warnings: With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure and the use of the device. Patients implanted with Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Exposure to MRI may result in dislodgement of the stimulator or leads, heating of the stimulator, severe damage to the stimulator electronics and an uncomfortable or jolting sensation. As a Spinal Cord Stimulation patient, you should not have diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure. Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause uncomfortable jolting stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping. The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator system may interfere with the operation of implanted sensing stimulators such as pacemakers or implanted cardiac defibrillators. Advise your physician that you have a Spinal Cord Stimulator before going through with other implantable device therapies so that medical decisions can be made and appropriate safety measures taken. Patients using therapy that generates paresthesia should not operate motorized vehicles such as automobiles or potentially dangerous machinery and equipment with the stimulation on. Stimulation must be turned off first in such cases. For therapy that does not generate paresthesia (i.e. subperception therapy) it is less likely that sudden stimulation changes resulting in distraction could occur while having stimulation on when operating moving vehicles, machinery, and equipment.
Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks, precautions, and benefits associated with the use of the device and what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients– as well as the risks and precautions for the procedure. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, call 866.360.4747 or visit Pain.com.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Indications for use: The Intracept™ Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System is indicated for patients who have had chronic low back pain for at least six months, who have tried conservative care for at least six months, and whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation. Not every patient who meets these criteria is a candidate for the Intracept Procedure, however – in fact, there are specific characteristics indicating a patient should not be considered for the procedure.
Contraindications: Patients who are pregnant. Patients with weakened cardiac or pulmonary function, having an active implanted electronic medical device in the body (such as a pacemaker or defibrillator), being diagnosed with a systemic or local infection, or having an anatomy that could be damaged unintentionally while ablating the basivertebral nerve (based on your physicians’ clinical review). Patients who are skeletally immature – which generally means individuals under the age of 18 are not candidates.
Warnings: There are also certain risks and precautions regarding the procedure which you should be aware of before proceeding. With all medical procedures, there are risks and precautions associated with the procedure and the use of the device, talk with your doctor about what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients for the Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects visit www.relievant.com/intracept/.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Indications for Use: The Boston Scientific Radiofrequency Generators, associated Radiofrequency Lesion Probes and RF Cannula are indicated for use in procedures to create radiofrequency lesions for the treatment of pain or for lesioning nerve tissue for functional neurosurgical procedures. The Boston Scientific RF Injection Electrodes are used for percutaneous nerve blocks with local anesthetic solution for radiofrequency lesioning of peripheral nerve tissue only. The Boston Scientific LCED and Stereotactic TCD Electrodes are indicated for use in radiofrequency (RF) heat lesioning of nervous tissue including the Central Nervous System.
Warnings: With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure and the use of the device. The Boston Scientific RF devices may cause interference with active devices such as neurostimulators, cardiac pacemakers, and defibrillators. Interference may affect the action of these active devices or may damage them. Talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks, precautions, and benefits associated with the use of the Boston Scientific Radiofrequency Generators, associated Radiofrequency Lesion Probes and RF Cannula and what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients– as well as the risks and precautions for the procedure. For appropriate guidance, consult the instructions for use for these active devices.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Hemant Kalia, MD, MPH
Director, Advanced Neuromodulation
Advancing DRG-S: Clinical Work & Publications
Dr. Kalia’s expertise in Dorsal Root Ganglion stimulation places him at the forefront of treating complex, localized neuropathic pain. His clinical research continues to define best practices for difficult-to-treat conditions like CRPS.
📚 Selected Publications
- Neuromodulation Journal (2022): “Real-World Outcomes of Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation in the Management of Refractory Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type I & II.”
- Pain Physician (2023): “Optimizing Lead Placement and Programming Strategies in DRG Stimulation for Chronic Groin and Pelvic Pain.”
- Textbook Contribution: Authored chapters on managing complications and preserving anatomical stability in advanced targeted neurostimulation techniques.
📊 National Scientific Posters
- North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS): “Comparative Analysis: DRG vs. Traditional SCS for Focal Lower Extremity Neuropathic Pain.” (Poster Presentation by Hemant Kalia, MD, MPH).
- American Society of Pain & Neuroscience (ASPN): “Long-Term Functional Restoration and Opioid Reduction in CRPS Patients Utilizing the Abbott Proclaim DRG System.”