How SCS works
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) sends electrical impulses that trigger nerve fibers along the spinal cord, masking the pain message travelling to the brain. When this happens, the pain signals may be blocked via the action of nerve stimulation or replaced with a soothing, tingling sensation.
SCS may be prescribed for chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with the following: Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2, intractable low back pain and leg pain. It is most commonly used to treat lower back and lower extremity pain. Thousands of patients with severe, chronically painful conditions have received relief with spinal cord stimulation.
SCS therapy starts with this simple, basic premise: since pain signals are carried by electrical nerve impulses along the spinal cord to the brain (1), intervening in the nervous system’s impulse flow is key to managing pain.
A small pulse generator (2) and insulated wires (3) are implanted into the body, near the spinal column. Directed by an external remote control, electrical impulses from the pulse generator interrupt pain signals as they travel to the brain.
Prof Jarek Maciaczyk
Dr Simon Thomson
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1. Metzger CS, et al. A novel fast-acting sub-perception spinal cord stimulation therapy enables rapid onset of analgesia in patients with chronic pain. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2021 Mar;18(3):299-306.
2. Anitescu M, et al. Prospective, Multicenter Outcomes Utilizing an SCS-System Designed to Engage Surround Inhibition Using Fast-Acting Sub-Perception Therapy [Abstract]. Sixteenth World Congress of the International Neuromodulation Society, May 11-14th, 2024, Vancouver, BC USA.
CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.
