Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Yes. In fact, the first step in getting an SCS system is to test drive SCS therapy with a temporary trial system. This allows you to try out SCS first and decide if it is right for you.

If your doctor recommends SCS for your pain condition, you can try it out first with a temporary system. The trial lasts on average three to seven days (may be shorter or longer). In this testing time, and at its conclusion, you and your doctor can decide if SCS therapy helps manage your pain. If it does, you can move forward with the implanted system. If it doesn’t, you have the trial system removed. Remember that the benefit of the trial is you’ll know first-hand if SCS is right for you before making any commitment.

The trial starts with an outpatient procedure conducted at the hospital and usually takes one to two hours. Then, over the next three to seven days (may be shorter or longer), you are able to see if the SCS system works for you in helping manage your pain.

Yes. Unlike the long-term implant, the temporary system has external components. Because of the external components, there are some precautions you’ll need to take. Your doctor will go over all of these with you, but some general things to know are :

• You will need to keep the SCS dry — so bathing or showering cannot be done during the SCS trial. Prepare for this by showering the morning of the procedure.

• Avoid activities and positions that could pull your leads out of place — so no bending, lifting, or twisting.

• Consider keeping a journal over the next week to evaluate the therapy. Note any new things you're able to do and also how you're sleeping. Go about your daily activities and take notice of how you're feeling and the things you may be able to do that you weren't able to do without the SCS system.

While no medical procedure is entirely risk-free, RF therapy is a well-established drug-free treatment that is supported by clinical evidence. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients are allowed to return home with few restrictions as soon as the effects of the local anesthesia dissipate.

Your pain could return if the treated nerves regenerate. If this happens, the procedure can be repeated.

If your pain returns due to nerve regeneration and you choose not to undergo RFA again, you should be able to try another pain management method. Be sure to discuss this decision with your doctor first.

Acute pain is usually sharp, short-lived pain typically caused by trauma or illness. Chronic pain is characterised by pain that lasts six months or longer.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to chronic pain. They can be as apparent as injury or trauma. Or they can occur even when there is no past injury or body damage.

You don’t need one. However, your GP will most likely recommend a pain specialist if your condition demands one. If you would like to search for a pain specialist on your own, try our doctor finder.

You should never start or stop prescription pharmaceuticals without your doctor’s knowledge and recommendation. If you choose a drug-free pain management alternative, you should discuss how it will affect your current pain management program before you make any changes to it.

While we’d like to help every person searching for relief from debilitating pain, our therapies have not been designed to help relieve all pain. Your pain specialist will help you find the right solution for your particular pain.