Living fully with your SCS system
Your Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) system is designed to deliver personalized, long-term pain relief so you can get back to the daily activities you love. To help you on your way, we’ve gathered answers to some of the questions we hear the most from people about adjusting to life with their new SCS system.
Everyday activities
Yes, if you are using a therapy option that doesn’t generate paresthesia (the tingling sensation). Because sudden stimulation changes may distract you while driving, you shouldn’t drive with paresthesia stimulation on.
If you are using a program that doesn’t generate paresthesia (meaning you do not feel any tingling), it is less likely that sudden stimulation changes will occur while while you’re driving.
You shouldn’t swim during your recovery period. After you have recovered from the implant procedure, and having discussed it with your doctor, you should be able to resume swimming.
No. You could think of the device as being like a pacemaker. You will not set off store security detectors.
Changes in posture or abrupt movements may cause changes in your stimulation level. You can use your remote control or Therapy Controller* to adjust the stimulation before making posture changes. If you experience unpleasant sensations, you can also turn the stimulation off.
My device
You can order the adhesive patches for your SCS charger on your mySCS App™. If you don't have the mySCS App, you can complete this form.
Once your post-surgical healing period ends, your physician may advise avoiding certain activities such as heaving lifting and high-impact sports. Discuss your plans with your physician. Also, it is important to remember before you undergo any further medical procedures to let your physician know you have an SCS implant. Visit our MRI and Medical Procedure page* to learn more.
No, your location cannot be tracked by your stimulator.
Yes, you can use standard international travel adapters that accept North American plugs to connect your remote control and charger base station. You can find them for sale on online stores or at major retailers.
Our rechargeable SCS systems use powerful battery technology that carries a 5-year warranty; however, they may last even longer.
In some instances, a lead can move from its original location and stimulation at the intended pain site can be lost. If this occurs, contact your physician. They may be able to restore stimulation by reprogramming the implant in the clinic or repositioning the lead during another procedure.
Strong electromagnetic fields can potentially interfere with your system. It could cause temporary changes in your stimulation, interfere with your remote control communication, or even turn your stimulator off. If an electromagnetic field is strong enough to turn stimulation off, this will be temporary, and stimulation will automatically return once the electromagnetic field is removed. You should avoid or exercise care around the following:
- Security screeners, such as those used in Airport Security or entrances into government buildings, including hand-held scanners
- Patients should request assistance to bypass the security screener and advise the security staff that they have an implanted medical device.
- Power lines or power generators
- Electric steel furnaces and arc welders
- Large, magnetized stereo speakers
- Strong magnets
Connecting with Boston Scientific
To connect with a new Boston Scientific representative, contact our Patient Care team at (866) 360-4747. If you are looking for a pain management physician in your new area, visit Find a Pain Doctor.
