Learn more about an SCS trial

If you and your doctor decide that SCS is right for you, the first step is a trial - a temporary test of the Boston Scientific SCS System. Talk to your pain specialist to see if a trial is the right next step.

Discover if SCS therapy is right for you

The SCS trial procedure is conducted at a hospital or a day procedural centre and normally lasts between three to seven days. Then, as you go through your regular activities over the next few days, you will use the temporary SCS system to determine if this type of treatment is effective in reducing your pain. If it does, you and your pain management specialist can discuss moving forward with getting a Boston Scientific SCS System implanted.

A man in scrubs sitting at a desk talking.

What can I expect from the SCS trial?

Your doctor will place temporary leads into your back — an outpatient procedure that takes only one to two hours
The leads are connected to an External Trial Stimulator (ETS), usually worn on your waist. The stimulator is programmed to personalise your therapy and your Clinical Specialist shows you how to make adjustments with the remote control
You then go home with your SCS trial system in place to try it over the next three to seven days
During and at the end of your trial, you and your doctor will decide if SCS therapy is effective for you, and whether to move forward with the implanted system

How does the temporary SCS trial system differ from the long-term implant?

Unlike the long-term implant, the temporary trial system has an external stimulator device
If you and your doctor decide to move with a full implant, you will undergo a new procedure with a much smaller implantable stimulator

A physician standing in front of a patient.

Will SCS allow me to be free of pain medications?

Some find that SCS therapy works well enough that they no longer need pain medications
For others, success with the therapy means using less pain medication
Always consult your doctor before changing your medication dosage

Find a pain management doctor near you

Use our Doctor Locator to explore pain management specialists in your area, start your search.

Find a pain specialist near you

Disclaimer and endnotes:

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

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Individual symptoms, situations, circumstances and results may vary. This quiz is meant for information purposes only, it is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. This site is intended for Australian residents only. Please review the Boston Scientific Privacy Policy, for practices on the collection, storage, use and disclosure of your personal information.

Content of videos are for Information Purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. BSC strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any questions.

Talk to your healthcare professional about whether this product may be suitable for you as part of your overall plan to manage chronic pain. The WaveWriter Alpha System is not a first-line treatment for chronic intractable pain.

Surgery is required in order to use the WaveWriter Alpha System and any surgical procedure carries risk. Outcomes may vary for each patient. Patients should consult their healthcare professional about factors that could impact their response.

CAUTION: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com.

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