Which Spinal Cord Stimulator is Best?

One of the most important things to consider for the best spinal cord stimulator may surprise you: it’s the battery type. So which spinal cord stimulator battery is right for you?

You have two types of batteries to choose from rechargeable and non-rechargeable.

Without a battery, the device won’t work. When you know the pros and cons of your battery options available, it can help you decide which device is best for you.

Rechargeable vs. non-rechargeable

Let’s break down your options.

Rechargeable spinal cord stimulator battery

Pros:

• Longer battery life: rechargeable spinal cord stimulators can last several years longer than non-rechargeable. The average battery life for rechargeable spinal cord stimulators is 7-10 years (compared to 2-5 years for non-rechargeable).
• Fewer replacements: Many people can go more than ten years before needing a replacement. This means people with a rechargeable battery undergo fewer replacement surgeries.
• Easy charging: Charging is quick and easy. For many people charging becomes just a part of their daily routine, such as while watching tv at night.
• More relief – no programming limitations: You can use your rechargeable stimulator on any setting without worrying about shortening battery life. This means the setting you use is optimized for your pain relief, not to conserve your battery life.

Cons:

• Charging: the need to recharge. Although, many rechargeable spinal cord stimulators can be charged in less than 1 hour per day or as infrequently as once a month.

Who offers a rechargeable battery?

Nevro HFX^TM spinal cord stimulation is the only rechargeable device designed to have a 10+ year battery life without programming restrictions¹. What does this mean for you?

With HFX you’ll undergo fewer replacement surgeries and your settings will be optimized for the best pain relief possible.

What do people who use Nevro HFX have to say about charging?

Steven who is experiencing 85% pain relief in his legs and lower back:

“HFX is so easy to charge and simple to adjust that it’s hard to believe!”

Patricia who has had HFX for 5 years now:

“If you charge it daily, it takes me 10-15 minutes and being wireless you can walk around or watch television while it charges.”

How to charge your spinal cord stimulator battery:

Charging is simple. HFX is charged with a wireless external charger. Depending on your program settings, charging can vary from 15-30 minutes once a day, once a week, or even just once a month

You can either use an adhesive patch or a soft cloth belt to easily hold the charger in place. Very similar to charging your phone, most people charge based on a routine that fits into their day, such as when they’re watching TV at night or driving to work in the morning.

Non-rechargeable spinal cord stimulator battery

Pros

• No charging: With a non-rechargeable stimulator you don’t have to charge your device.

 Not charging your battery may sound nice at first, but there are some drawbacks to consider:

Cons

• Short battery life: Advertised battery life is typically about five years. However, the actual battery life is often much less and closer to two years.
• More replacement surgeries: You may need a replacement surgery for a non-rechargeable stimulator as often as every two years⁶. This also means more insurance requests for battery replacements.
• Limited relief and programming options: Non-rechargeable stimulators require you to use a restrictive set of programs to extend battery life. This limits your therapy options and your potential pain relief.

What if I already have a spinal cord stimulator and I need to get it replaced?

Replacing your current spinal cord stimulator is a relatively simple, quick, and safe procedure. And it’s covered by most major insurance plans.

Here are some resources to learn more about the upgrade process:

1. Get answers to the top 4 questions about upgrading a spinal cord stimulator 
2. Webinar: What to Know About Upgrading Your Spinal Cord Stimulator with Dr. Paul Lynch

Choosing what’s right for you: what are other things to consider?

Here are a few more things to consider when choosing which spinal cord stimulator to go with:

• MRI compatibility: Some spinal cord stimulators are safe for an MRI, but others aren’t. With HFX you can have a full-body MRI scan^*.
• Clinical evidence and patient outcomes: HFX is clinically proven to help people achieve more pain relief. In a clinical study, nearly 80% of people experienced at least 50% pain relief with HFX compared to only 49% of people with a traditional spinal cord stimulator⁷.
• Programming options: HFX offers the most frequencies and waveforms available for the best possible long-term outcome for relief. Traditional spinal cord stimulators only offer one type of therapy. 
• Driving and sleeping restrictions: Unlike many traditional spinal cord stimulators, HFX offers programs without driving or sleeping restrictions.
• No tingling: HFX offers programs without a tingling sensation called paresthesia that is often used with traditional spinal cord stimulators to mask pain.

Next steps to getting the best spinal cord stimulator 

Spinal cord stimulators with rechargeable batteries last longer than non-rechargeable. HFX spinal cord stimulation is the only rechargeable device designed to have a 10+ year battery without any programming restrictions¹. Learn more about what to expect with HFX.

To find out if you’re a candidate for HFX, the first step is to take a short assessment today. At the end, you can request a call from an HFX Coach who will answer any questions you have and help you find an HFX doctor in your area.

Summary

• There are two types of batteries to choose from rechargeable and non-rechargeable
• Rechargeable spinal cord stimulators have a longer battery life, require fewer replacements, and don’t have programming limitations
• Non-rechargeable spinal cord stimulators have a shorter battery life, require more frequent replacement surgeries, and have programming limitations

Footnotes

*Within conditional parameters. Refer to Senza MRI Guidelines for detailed information on MRI safety and conditions.

**Battery data accurate as of 2021. Check with the manufacturer for the most recent updates.

Sources

1. Senza Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data (SSED). Published May 8 2015.
2. Spectra WaveWriter Information for Prescribers Manual. Document 91171759-02.
3. Proclaim Implantable Pulse Generator Clinician’s Manual. 2019-09.
4. Medtronic Neuromodulation Clinician Programmer App – Intellis Neurostimulation Systems A710.
5. Vanta SCS Brochure for Healthcare Professionals – Rev. 0119.
6. Van Buyten, JP. International SCS Effectiveness Study: Long Term Outcomes of the Therapy in 956 Implants from 2010 –2013. Presented at NANS 2017.
7. Kapural L, et al. Comparison of 10-kHz High-Frequency and Traditional Low-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Back and Leg Pain: 24-month Results from a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Pivotal Trial. Neurosurgery. Published 09 2016