Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS):
Relief Tailored for Your Pain
Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Zonjy can share with you
how Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) can be personalized to deliver the lasting relief you need for your chronic pain.
Message us for information about Spinal Cord Stimulation
M. Eyad Zonjy, MD
Neurology and Interventional Pain Management
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FAQ
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy is used to treat different kinds of chronic pain – pain lasting six months or more. This can include pain in the back, legs, and feet, or a combination of different pain areas. Boston Scientific’s SCS systems are indicated for people with conditions causing pain, including failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), radicular pain syndrome, and more. A pain management specialist can tell you if SCS therapy may be right for you.
Yes, some therapies replace your pain with a tingling sensation. Others use a type of stimulation you don’t feel at all. With the WaveWriter Alpha SCS System, you can choose the therapy that works best for you — or use both at the same time.
The WaveWriter Alpha SCS System allows for conditional full body MRI scans.
Spinal cord stimulators are powered by batteries that are either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Your doctor will help you choose which one is best for you. The WaveWriter Alpha SCS System offers both chargeable and non-rechargeable stimulators, so you can choose the right battery for you without compromising your therapy options.
It’s up to you and your doctor when to use SCS therapy and how much to use. The Boston Scientific 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.
Unless you tell someone you have it, they’d never know. The Boston Scientific SCS stimulators feature contoured oval shapes. Your doctor can position it in the most comfortable and convenient location for you. Some patients report that they can feel the unit by pressing on their skin. In many cases, it is not visible to others.
It’s about the diameter of a silver dollar.
Yes. The Boston Scientific SCS System has a wireless remote control that lets you turn stimulation on and off, increase and decrease the level of stimulation, and target different pain areas using settings or programs customized by your doctor specifically for you.
The Boston Scientific SCS System uses powerful rechargeable battery technology that carries a five-year warranty, but they may last even longer.
Recharging the implant battery is designed to be very simple. The charger is lightweight, wireless, and portable, so you can charge on the go. Either an adhesive patch or soft cloth belt (included with the charger) can be used to help place the charger over the device.
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.
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.
No. Unlike other rechargeable batteries, the Boston Scientific SCS System stimulator batteries are designed to prevent damage and resume normal function once charged.
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 consult your doctor before resuming activity after surgery or before engaging in physical activity.
Yes. Even though your leads and stimulator are surgically implanted, they can be disengaged or removed by your doctor, if ever needed.
Pain management specialists are doctors who specialize in treating all kinds of pain. These doctors receive years of advanced specialized training in pain management and focus on treating patients with severe pain.