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What to expect from SCS

Your Boston Scientific SCS System is designed to help you get effective, long-term pain relief so you can get back to your daily activities and feel like yourself again.

Understanding what to expect before, during, and after your procedure will help you prepare for the next stage in your journey to relief.

Top 5 questions about SCS

What is it? Will it work for me? This short video answers the questions we’re asked most often about SCS.

Things to know before getting an SCS System

Ready to take the first step toward pain relief? You’ll start with a short trial of the SCS System to see if it’s right for you.

  • Talk to a pain management specialist. If you don’t have one, use our Doctor Locator to find a specialist in your area.
  • Test drive a Boston Scientific SCS System in a short three- to seven-day trial.
  • If the results are successful, talk with your specialist about moving forward with a long-term implant.
A smiling healthcare provider in a lab coat talks to a patient, holding papers in their hand.

How to prepare for your SCS procedure

Your doctor will cover everything you need to know to prepare for your implant procedure, including:

When to stop eating and/or drinking before your procedure (usually several hours beforehand).

Medications you should — or should not — take on the day of your procedure.

What to wear to your procedure (usually comfortable or loose-fitting clothing).

Making arrangements for a family member or friend to drive you to and from your procedure.

What is the SCS procedure like?

The implant is an out-patient procedure that typically takes from one to two hours. The procedure has several steps:

  • Sedation and anesthetic: You’ll be given medication to relax you. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the incision area.
  • Lead placement: The flexible leads are placed along your spinal cord.
  • Lead connection: The leads are connected to the stimulator.
  • Stimulator implantation: The stimulator is implanted under your skin (usually in the buttock area).
  • Incision closure: The doctor closes the incisions.
  • Recovery: You’ll move to a recovery area, where you’ll rest until you’re well enough to go home.
  • Instructions: Before you leave, you’ll get instructions on postoperative care. You’ll also learn how to use the remote control to adjust your therapy.
A healthcare provider smiles while talking to a patient in a hospital bed.

When should I call my doctor?

Your healthcare team will give you specific information about when you should call them. In general, call your doctor if you:

  • Experience pain around the implant for more than two weeks
  • Notice a lot of redness around the wound areas. Your doctor should be aware so they can check for infection, or in rare cases, a reaction to the implant.
A person holds their lower back while sitting down at a desk.

I just got my SCS System. What’s next?

Once you have your Boston Scientific SCS System, you may feel eager to return to your favorite activities. But recovering from any procedure takes time. Here are some things to keep in mind as you adjust to life with your SCS, but be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Mobile mySCS App screen showing 'Learn' section about Spinal Cord Stimulation with options for FAQs and testimonials.

How to use your SCS System*

Many people experience relief right away. But it may take time to learn the most effective settings.

  • Take time to read all of the information provided by your doctor.
  • Get comfortable with how to use the remote control for your SCS System.
  • Talk with your doctor about your settings, since they can be personalized to maximize your relief.
  • The mySCS GO™ Therapy Controller App** makes it even easier to control your SCS System, wherever you are.
A happy couple dance in the kitchen.

Becoming active again*

In the first two weeks after your SCS procedure, limit some activities as you heal. Do not:

  • Lift objects that weigh more than five pounds
  • Do rigorous physical activity, such as twisting, bending, or climbing
  • Raise your arms above your head, if you had new leads implanted

What’s life like with a Boston Scientific SCS System?

Boston Scientific Clinical Care Specialist Kira Trexler shares her own experience of what life is like for her after getting the SCS implant.

Find the answers you need

Relief starts with useful information. Our tools and resources help you learn more about SCS, so you can find the option that works best for you.

Browse resources

Get comfortable with expert advice

Hosted by pain management specialists across the country, our webinars allow you to cozy up to new ideas without leaving your home. Register now and view educational topics and the latest treatments.

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Helpful articles for finding relief

Check out our library of articles to learn more about causes and symptoms of pain, treatment options, and coping strategies.

Read articles

Talk to a Patient Ambassador

Our volunteer Patient Ambassadors are here to share their personal experiences finding relief from pain with Boston Scientific's SCS therapy.

Connect with an Ambassador
Brochures promoting pain relief with SCS and the Patient Ambassador program by Boston Scientific.

Order your free SCS information kit

Order a free, in-depth information kit on spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

Request an SCS information kit

​Frequently asked questions

People differ in the amount of pain relief they receive with SCS therapy. Before being implanted, you will have the chance to “test drive” the therapy with a temporary trial system. This will help you to see the amount of relief you can expect to receive.

It’s up to you and your doctor when to use SCS therapy and how much to use it. Our SCS Systems and the rechargeable battery technology are designed so that you can keep it on 24 hours a day. However, you should always consult your doctor first.

It’s about the diameter of a silver dollar.

No. You could think of the device as being similar to a pacemaker. You will NOT set off store security detectors. Also, your location cannot be tracked by using this device.

For several weeks after the implant procedure, you will be asked to restrict your physical activity. Once that period is over, Boston Scientific SCS Systems are designed to help you lead a healthy and active lifestyle. However, you should always check with your doctor before resuming activity after surgery or before becoming physically active.

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Why choose Boston Scientific?

You need pain relief that’s tailored to your needs. Boston Scientific’s pain management solutions can be personalized to treat your specific pain — even if other treatments have failed. Find out why hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have chosen relief from Boston Scientific.

See the Boston Scientific difference

Take your next step toward pain relief

Explore helpful SCS resources

Find the tools and resources you need to understand and manage your pain. From articles to webinars to real-time help, we’ve got you covered.

Browse SCS resources
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search for a pain doctor

Find a pain management specialist near you

Find an interventional pain management specialist who offers Boston Scientific solutions near you.

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have questions?

Our patient education specialists are here to help

We’re here to provide guidance and answer questions you have in your search for pain management solutions.

Call us at (877) 473-0844

Monday through Friday

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT

References
*Please refer to your Instructions for Use.
**For a list of compatible devices, visit www.myscsjourney.com/mySCSGO
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Results from different clinical investigations are not directly comparable. Information provided for educational purposes only.

§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.

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