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What to expect from Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

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

Things to know before getting an SCS system

Your first step is to try an SCS system and see if this type of treatment is right for you.

  • Talk to a pain management specialist. If you don’t have one, our Doctor Locator can help you find a specialist in your area 

  • Consider a temporary trial of a Boston Scientific SCS system

  • If the results are successful, talk with your specialist about moving forward with a long-term implant 

How should I prepare for my SCS procedure?

Your doctor will cover everything you need to know to prepare for the implant procedure, including:
  • When to stop eating and/or drinking before the procedure (typically, several hours in advance)
  • Medications you should or should not take on the day of the procedure
  • What to wear to the procedure (typically, comfortable or loose-fitting clothing) 
  • Arranging for a family member or friend to drive you to and from the procedure
  • Familiarise yourself with the associated costs, including hospital costs of the procedure
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What is the SCS procedure like?

The procedure, usually one to two hours, involves several steps:

  • You’ll undergo light sedation and a local anesthetic will be applied to the incision area
  • The leads are placed along your spinal cord or into the subcutaneous tissue plane near the targeted peripheral nerve(s)
  • The leads are connected to the stimulator
  • The stimulator is implanted under your skin (usually the buttock area)
  • The doctor closes up the incisions and you’ll move to a recovery area where you’ll rest until you’re well enough to go home
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive instructions on postoperative care and how to use the remote control to adjust your therapy

When should I call my doctor?

Your healthcare team will give you specifics 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)
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I just got my SCS system. What’s next?

Once you have your Boston Scientific SCS System, you may feel eager to get back to activities that may now be less painful. However, recovering from any procedure takes time. Here are some general tips, but be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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How to use your SCS system*

Some people experience relief right away, but for some it may take some time to learn the most effective settings.

  • Take time to read all of the information provided by your doctor
  • Get comfortable with learning how to use the remote control for your SCS system
  • Talk with your doctor about your settings as they can be personalised to optimise your relief

Becoming active again*

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

  • Lift objects of more than 2 killograms
  • Do rigorous physical activity such as twisting, bending, or climbing
  • Raise your arms above your head if you had new leads implanted
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Resources to help you manage your pain

Boston Scientific pain management therapies offer key advantages backed by clinical evidence. In particular, therapy that can be personalised to treat your unique pain and may help you find relief where other treatments may not have been effective.

See why Boston Scientific matters

Wondering if SCS may be right for you?

Take this quick quiz and find out. ⟶

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*Please refer to your Instructions for Use.

Disclaimer and endnotes: 

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

All images are the property of Boston Scientific. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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.

Australia and New Zealand: Boston Scientific Pty Ltd | PO Box 332 Botany NSW 1455 Australia