Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Therapy
Life After Implantation
Daily Activities
After SCS implantation, most everyday activities can be resumed.
| Activity | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bathing / showering | Yes | Once the incision has healed |
| Exercise | Yes, most activities | Contact sports require discussion with your doctor |
| Work | Yes, most jobs | Heavy manual labor requires discussion |
| Driving | Yes | Once you are comfortable with the stimulation settings |
| Air travel | Yes | See below |
| MRI scans | Conditional | Depends on the device model — confirm with your doctor |
Airport Security
The implant may set off metal detectors.
- Carry your patient identification card at all times
- Inform security staff that you have an implanted medical device
- You may be directed to additional screening
MRI Scans
Older SCS devices were not compatible with MRI. Newer models are MRI-compatible under specific conditions.
| Device Generation | MRI Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Older models | MRI not permitted |
| Current models | Full-body MRI permitted under specific conditions |
If you need an MRI, contact the hospital where your SCS was implanted for guidance.
Adjusting Your Stimulation
One of the great features of SCS is that you have direct control over your stimulation.
- A small handheld remote turns stimulation on and off
- You can adjust the intensity
- You can switch between pre-programmed settings
This means you can tailor the therapy to your pain level and activities throughout the day.