Which batteries are best for spinal cord stimulators?

For more than 30 years, people have been using spinal cord stimulator (SCS) systems to get relief from chronic pain. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, SCS systems may be able to reduce your pain by calming the nerves in your body and interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

All SCS systems are battery-operated. These days, systems are designed to last years before needing replacement. Because battery life varies, some SCS devices will need to be replaced sooner than others. When you know the battery options available, it can help you decide which system is best for you.

Benefits of rechargeable battery systems

If you are considering an SCS system, there is a lot to think about. So, what questions should you ask when you are looking for an SCS system? What should you consider?

One of the most important things to consider may surprise you: it’s the battery. Without a battery, the device won’t work.

Two different types of batteries are used in SCS systems: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. You may be initially drawn to non-rechargeable batteries. However, there are some drawbacks:

● Frequent replacement: There is no way to change the battery without replacing the device.

● Battery life: Advertised battery life is typically about five years. The actual battery life is often much less. You may need to have repeat surgical procedures to replace the SCS system as often as every two years.¹

●  Battery health: People are often encouraged to use a lower amplitude setting so that the battery will last longer. These settings may limit effectiveness.

Rechargeable spinal cord stimulators are also available. When you’re looking at SCS systems with rechargeable batteries, you should consider:

● Long battery life: Battery life for rechargeable spinal cord stimulators is 7-10 years. Many people can go more than ten years before needing replacement.

● Easy Charging: Battery charging is quick and painless. For many people, charging their SCS becomes just a part of their daily routine, such as over their morning coffee.

● Programming Versatility: When using a spinal cord stimulator system with a rechargeable battery, like HF10®, you can use your device on all common settings without worrying about shortening battery life.

The lifespan of rechargeable battery systems

We know that rechargeable systems often last much longer than non-rechargeable units. Across the United States, thousands of people experience significant pain relief by using this type of device.

In addition to long battery life, HF10 has been proven to deliver significantly better and longer-lasting pain relief from chronic pain than other SCS systems.²

Next steps

Interested in learning more about HF10? Take a short assessment to find out if an HF10 spinal cord stimulator might be right for you.

 

Summary:

● Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) can help many people with chronic back and leg pain

●  Some SCS devices have replaceable batteries while others have rechargeable batteries

●  Rechargeable batteries, like that of HF10, are designed to  last up to ten years, while devices with replaceable batteries often require a medical procedure to replace the battery as often as every two years

 

1.Van Buyten, JP. International SCS Effectiveness Study: Long Term Outcomes of the Therapy in 956 Implants from 2010 –2013. Presented at NANS 2017.

2.  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