Pain relief made personal

See how people who were in debilitating pain discovered the relief they were seeking and a way back to their normal lives.

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Karen's story

"One of the things that I think is amazing about this device is the ability to make adjustments.”

Hear Karen describe how SCS helped her manage her low-back pain and get back to being a mom again.

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All Leg pain Back pain Foot pain Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Stories to Watch

Chris's story

After a serious car accident, Chris was finally able to manage his chronic pain with SCS so he could get back to caring for his family. 

“Pain is like a living thing. It can change in different ways…but so can your stimulator.”

Mary's story

Mary was able to manage her leg pain with SCS so she could rediscover her passion for gardening and yoga.

“I decided that I wanted something that was more cutting edge and Boston Scientific seemed to fit the bill for me.”

Gregory's story

Gregory’s chronic pain began with a fall from a tree. With SCS, he was able to get back to everyday living. 

“I really feel that my pain relief has been personalized…because of the different settings I have.”

Neil's story

Neil describes how his chronic pain left him feeling isolated and abandoned by his friends until SCS helped him reconnect with everyday life. 

“I am extremely grateful for what this system has done for me.”

Mitch & Senita's story

Married couple Mitch and Senita describe their experience with pain and how SCS helped them get back to being grandparents. 

“Nothing just seemed to work…. Then, this came around.”

Arlene's story

After medication and a spinal fusion failed to help, Arlene found relief with SCS so she could get back to being a mom and grandma and caring for her dog. 

“One of my favorite things is being able to take the burden off my family.”

Kevin's story

A car accident left Kevin in chronic pain. Injections and pills didn’t help. Hear him describe how SCS helped him get back to being an active dad to his young son. 

“It was a realization that I wasn’t going to have to walk around in pain.”

Carl's story

A car crash left Carl with chronic back pain. SCS helped him get back to being his old self. 

“The thing that really appealed to me was the trial.”

Paul's story

A snow-boarding accident left Paul with chronic lower-back pain. When surgery didn’t help, SCS provided the relief he needed to get back to everyday life. 

“After going through the trial…I realized it was working for me.”

Stories to Read

Tamara’s story

“I wish I would have made the decision sooner.”

Tamara’s Pain Story:

I suffered from painful diabetic neuropathy in my legs and feet. As a teacher, I always tried to be upbeat with my students. But once it started to be too difficult to keep a positive attitude, I knew I had to seek treatment. I spent from 2010 to 2020 in chronic pain with lots and lots of bad days, mainly spent in bed. My quality of life was just gone.

Tamara’s SCS Experience:

During the SCS trial, I tried several different programs to find what was right for me. The Boston Scientific team was always so quick to respond to my phone calls and answer my questions. The pain relief in my trial gave me the confidence to move on to the implant. Even though the thought of having a surgical procedure was daunting to me, I knew it would be worth it.

What would Tamara say to others who are considering SCS?

I wish I would have made the decision sooner. To have days that are completely pain free, where I can wake up and go, and feel good and be happy, has given me my life back. I even baked my Boston Scientific team cookies for being so wonderful. I never would have been able to bake cookies before SCS, but now I can. And I make darn good cookies!

Gary’s story

“I’m now able to get around and live life so much easier.”

Gary’s Pain Story:

After a firefighter injury and unsuccessful back surgery, chronic pain severely limited my mobility and demeanor. I couldn’t do normal day-to-day activities, like walking, standing, going up stairs, or getting a full night’s sleep. I often used a walker or wheelchair to get around.

Gary’s SCS Experience:

SCS dramatically reduced my pain by 85-95%. It allowed me to walk, climb stairs, stand longer, and sleep throughout the night. After the trial, making the decision to move forward with the permanent system was an easy one. I’m now able to get around and live life so much easier.

What would Gary say to others who are considering SCS?

My only regret with SCS is that I waited so long to move forward!

Crystal’s story

“It was the first time in years I could breathe without being in pain.”

Crystal’s Pain Story:

There are many reasons for my chronic back pain. Living up north for most of my 20s, I slipped on ice a lot. I fell from a hay loft about 20 years ago. I also work in healthcare and often have to lift and move patients. My pain had gotten so bad I could hardly walk, stand, or sit for more than 10 minutes. I couldn’t stand to cook dinner for my family. I had tried PT, injections, and opioids but nothing helped the pain.

Crystal’s SCS Experience:

I was finally approved for the SCS trial. It was the first time in years I could breathe without being in pain. It was amazing! It was like a light switch flipped and my pain was manageable and I received around 90% relief. I could cook for my family and I even took my grandchildren to the park! The worst part of the trial was knowing it would eventually end and I would be back in pain.

What would Crystal say to others who are considering SCS?

DO IT!! I’m getting my life back! I’m doing things I haven’t done in years and I can’t wait to get the permanent SCS system.

Edward's story

“If you’re living with persistent pain and other options haven’t worked, explore this.”

Edward's Pain Story:

My radiating pain developed over many years due to a lumbar compression fracture, a fractured leg, and an infection after knee surgery that damaged the joint. The resulting uneven gait placed continuous stress on my spine, which led to significant nerve-related back pain. In recent years, even short walks became impossible, and routine activities like grocery shopping required physical support.

Edward's SCS Experience:

During the trial, I noticed a meaningful reduction in pain that allowed me to move more freely and think less about discomfort. That gave me confidence to proceed with the permanent system. Both procedures were smoother than expected, and I felt prepared every step of the way. Having the Boston Scientific rep present at every procedure and the immediate follow up was reassuring.

What would Edward say to others who are considering SCS?

If you’re living with persistent pain and other options haven’t worked, explore this. The trial gave me a real sense of what’s possible. The permanent has restored a level of control and normalcy I had been missing. It’s not about perfection; there is still some pain, but much, much reduced. I can now return to my outdoor photography in rugged West Texas.

Eric’s story

“I am very satisfied with the results.”

Eric's Pain Story:

I have been suffering from neuropathic pain for years. My pain is in both legs and also my lower back. I have been getting anti-inflammatory steroid shots to help my back, but there’s no real relief from the neuropathy besides taking Gabapentin.

Eric's SCS Experience:

My doctor suggested I consider SCS so I went through the trial to test it out. The trial gave me relief and since I received such positive results, I was totally on board to have the permanent system. The procedure was very straight forward, it took about 45 minutes, and I went home with very little discomfort or pain. I followed the surgeons post surgical instructions and took pain pills for a few days only.

What would Eric say to others who are considering SCS?

Getting SCS was the right decision for me. I have been realizing the benefits for about one year. If you have pain discomfort that has been reduced or eliminated with the trial, I think the relief you get is worth the implant procedure. I am very satisfied with the results.

Margo’s story

“It was amazing! I no longer had pain in my back.”

Margo’s Pain Story:

I had been dealing with back pain for years. I could no longer go up and down stairs or walk without difficulty. I tried several different treatment options, including injections and ablations, but nothing gave me long-term relief. In 2022, I had a fusion, followed by several additional surgeries and procedures. Despite everything, I was still in pain.

During this time, I came across information about SCS and found a highly trained and skilled interventional pain specialist. I quickly scheduled an appointment.

Tamara’s SCS Experience:

During the week of the trial… I couldn’t believe it! I was walking around, doing activities with my grandchildren. It was amazing! I no longer had pain in my back. It’s been so nice to go to the store, go up my stairs, put away my groceries, all without pain.

What would Tamara say to others who are considering SCS?

If anyone is questioning whether they should trial SCS, I would encourage them to do it! It’s one of the best things I ever did for myself.

Michael’s story

“Nothing worked until I tried this.”

Michael’s Pain Story:

Since a car accident in 2011, I have done many months’ worth of physical therapy, back injections, chiropractor appointments, and surgery. My pain was excruciating. I was unable to get up from a seated or laying position. Bending wasn’t an option. No pain pill, muscle relaxants, injections, or surgery relieved the pain.

Michael’s SCS Experience:

I walked into my SCS trial appointment thinking this wasn’t going to be any different from other treatments I’d tried. Boy, was I mistaken! That day was the first time in years that I felt pain relief. The experience of the procedure with the understanding of the healing processes was smooth. The patient centered care was exceptional. The permanent system has given normalcy back to my life.

What would Michael say to others who are considering SCS?

I have had severe chronic back pain for 15 years. I have tried many forms of pain management. Nothing worked until I tried this. SCS reduced my pain and improved my everyday function. This has significantly improved my quality of life. In my personal experience, I would go for it!

Daniel's story

“SCS didn’t just help—it transformed my life.”

Daniel’s Pain Story:

For years, I fought a losing battle with back pain. Even after a laminectomy and fusion, the relief didn’t last. The pain crept back in, stronger than before. Steroid injections stopped working. Surgery wasn’t an option. I was exhausted, discouraged, and watching my world shrink a little more every day.

Daniel’s SCS Experience:

My pain specialist suggested SCS. I said yes because I felt I had no other options. What I didn’t expect was to get my life back.

Today, I’m moving again. I’m back at the gym. I walk without bracing myself for pain. And this year, I did something I never thought possible: I traveled to Antarctica. I climbed a volcano, hiked across an ice sheet, and even took a polar plunge - something unimaginable before my SCS. In that freezing moment, I realized just how far I’d come.

What would Daniel say to others who are considering SCS?

If you’re living with chronic back pain and feel like nothing works anymore, I’ve been where you are. SCS didn’t just help—it transformed my life. I’m deeply grateful to my pain physician and my Boston Scientific representative for giving me a second chance at living fully again

Lonnie’s story

“The limp in my left leg was gone and I could walk normally and sleep all night!”

Lonnie’s Pain Story:

I was injured on the job and herniated several discs in my lower back. After physical therapy and medication, I returned on light duty. After a few weeks back at work, I suffered another herniation which led to back surgery. I was left with chronic back pain and numbness in both legs. Over time, I realized medication was not working enough to relieve my pain.

Lonnie’s SCS Experience:

I started my SCS trial and had so much relief! Relief like I hadn’t known in a year. The limp in my left leg was gone and I could walk normally and sleep all night! My wife and I were able to walk a mile on a regular basis, which I could not do before! I now have my permanent SCS system. I have been extremely satisfied with the surgery team and the Boston Scientific representatives.

What would Lonnie say to others who are considering SCS?

My experience has been outstanding and I highly recommend Boston Scientific for anyone considering an SCS implant. Thank you to Boston Scientific for giving me my life back!

Sheila’s story

“The system is awesome. I highly recommend it!”

Sheila's Pain Story:

After treatment for an unrelated condition, I began to experience pain in my feet. It started gradually and increased slowly and was at its worst by 2023. I tried heat, cold, prescription and OTC medications, and nothing worked.

Sheila's SCS Experience:

With SCS, I have had about 80% pain relief. I no longer cry with pain when I walk. The system is awesome. I highly recommend it!

What would Sheila say to others who are considering SCS?

Check with your physician and see if you’re a candidate as soon as possible! I was skeptical at first, but I’m so glad I did it. I can’t praise SCS enough. It’s an amazing device. I wish I had known about it sooner.

Patricia's story

“SCS has allowed me to walk, sit, stand, and enjoy brighter days with very little pain.”

Patricia's Pain Story:

My pain story began over 20 years ago after I broke my leg. I endured months in a rehab facility with no relief from medications or external devices. I spent the next ten years in a motorized chair trying to accept the outcome of never being able to ambulate on my own. I was devastated to think about how my life had changed in a matter of two minutes.

Patricia's SCS Experience:

In 2012, I decided to move forward with the Boston Scientific SCS trial. Once the stimulator was activated it was like someone turned down the volume on the storm. It put me in control of masking my constant pain without pills. The pain became something that I could walk past instead of something that blocked the road entirely.

What would Patricia say to others who are considering SCS?

SCS has allowed me to walk, sit, stand, and enjoy brighter days with very little pain. I am always suggesting Boston Scientific as a partner in establishing a care plan for chronic pain sufferers.

Shara’s story

“I have zero regrets.”

Shara's Pain Story:

My chronic pain began when I was in junior high school. I tried chiropractic care, but my pain continued. I underwent cervical fusion surgery in 2012 and lumbar fusion surgery in 2020. Although both helped temporarily, the pain returned. I have tried multiple injections and other treatments, and I lived with chronic pain for decades before receiving an SCS implant.

Shara's SCS Experience:

During my SCS trial, my pain was significantly reduced, and for the first time in years, I slept through the night without hip and leg pain. Following my permanent implant in May, 2026, I sleep better and have more energy. I stay active, enjoy working on my flower beds, and I can play with my granddaughter. I have zero regrets.

What would Shara say to others who are considering SCS?

I would 100% recommend this procedure for anyone who has lived in chronic pain. I did my research and recommend you do as well! It has made my quality of life better and I’m thankful I didn’t say no, despite the fears I had!