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How Spinal Cord Stimulation Can Help Patients with Chronic Pain

A global company that has been making devices for 60 years and has vast experience helping patients with heart and blood vessel diseases, BIOTRONIK has expanded to the chronic pain space with BIOTRONIK Neuro.

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With its new spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system Prospera™, BIOTRONIK’s neuromodulation team aims to support chronic pain patients and help them embrace life again. But what does this actually mean? We gathered and answered some common questions on chronic pain and treatment options.  

What exactly is chronic intractable pain? 

Chronic intractable pain is a severe, constant, and debilitating pain. It’s unfortunately not curable and can’t always be relieved by common pain management therapies or medications. This condition can come from an injury, disease, or a medical condition and can persist even after what first caused the pain has been treated or healed. Unlike more common chronic pain, intractable pain has a broader impact on the body’s cardiovascular, hormone and nervous systems. 

How many people are affected and how does it influence their lives? 

Chronic pain can have a significant impact for those affected every day. It can limit everything from work and social life to exercise and self-care activities, which can lead to emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleeping issues.  

Worldwide an estimate of 10-20 percent of the population suffers from chronic pain.1-2 The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized chronic pain as a major public health issue. This demonstrates the real need for effective management and treatment strategies.

What are current therapy options? 

The path to relief can be really challenging. The best treatment option for chronic pain will vary depending on the individual and what exactly is causing the pain. Current treatment options can include medications, conservative pain management therapies, or interventional therapies like spinal cord stimulation. A combination of treatment options may be necessary to effectively manage chronic pain. 

What is spinal cord stimulation (SCS)? 

SCS is an interventional treatment used to relieve chronic pain. The treatment involves implanting a stimulator with leads near specific nerves in your back that sends electrical impulses to interrupt and mask the pain signals before they reach the brain.  

How is BIOTRONIK Neuro trying to improve current SCS treatment options for patients? 

Effectively treating and managing chronic pain is important for improving the quality of life for those affected. With the introduction of the Prospera System, patients can have the peace of mind that they have access to the most advanced scans if they may need an MRI. Prospera is the only SCS system that allows for full body 1.5T and 3T scans. BIOTRONIK Neuro is also the only company to provide a truly proactive care support system for its patients with its Embrace One™ Care Team.* That means that through automatic, daily remote monitoring, your dedicated Care team is making sure your therapy is working best for you—anytime, anywhere.   

Where can I find more information on BIOTRONIK’s SCS system?  

Visit EmbraceLifeAgain.com to learn more and access a video that provides further information.