Nevro ™
Intro/Problem Statement:
What Is Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is not simply pain that lasts longer than expected — it is a condition that begins to shape a person’s life. When discomfort persists for more than three to six months despite medications, injections, physical therapy, or surgery, it can disrupt sleep, limit mobility, reduce productivity, impact relationships, and alter mood and self‑confidence. Over time, pain may no longer reflect ongoing tissue damage. Instead, the nervous system can remain locked in a heightened state, continuously sending pain signals even long after healing has occurred, leading to frustration, fear, or thoughts like “nothing helps.” Traditional treatments may lose effectiveness, and long‑term reliance on medications — including opioids — carries significant risks and side effects.
For patients with chronic, intractable pain, changing how pain signals are processed rather than merely masking symptoms is essential. Neuromodulation through Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers this shift in approach by directly modifying nerve signal pathways to reduce pain and improve function.
How It Works / Trial
Trial Phase
SCS with Nevro typically begins with a trial phase, where temporary leads are placed and connected to an external stimulator system for several days. During this period, patients and clinicians assess pain relief, functional improvements, effects on sleep, activity levels, and potential medication changes. If the trial demonstrates meaningful relief (often defined as significant reduction in pain symptoms), the therapy can proceed to permanent implantation.
Solution
What Is SCS?
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a therapy that delivers controlled electrical stimulation to the spinal cord through thin leads placed in the epidural space. This stimulation alters pain signaling pathways before they reach the brain, helping the nervous system reduce the perception of pain and enabling improved daily function. SCS has a long track record of use in treating chronic trunk and limb pain that has not responded adequately to other treatments.
Nevro’s 10 kHz HFX System
Nevro’s proprietary high‑frequency 10 kHz therapy (commonly referred to as HFX™ or HF10®) represents an advanced approach to SCS. Unlike traditional low‑frequency stimulation, which often produces paresthesia (a tingling sensation), Nevro’s 10 kHz therapy delivers pain relief without paresthesia, allowing many patients to receive consistent and comfortable pain control day and night.
What Is Different About Nevro’s 10 kHz / HFX System
Nevro’s SCS platform stands out due to its high‑frequency 10 kHz therapy, which delivers stimulation at a higher level than traditional SCS devices. This approach has been supported by robust clinical evidence and long‑term patient outcomes.
Key advantages of Nevro’s system include:
- No paresthesia required: Relief without tingling sensations, offering a more comfortable experience.
- Clinical evidence: Nevro’s 10 kHz therapy is supported by large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and long‑term outcome data showing durable pain reduction, functional improvements, and quality‑of‑life gains.
- Indication expansion: The therapy is indicated for chronic trunk and limb pain including low back and leg pain, non‑surgical refractory back pain, and painful diabetic neuropathy in appropriate patients.
- Advanced personalization: The latest HFX iQ systems integrate data‑driven algorithms and app‑enabled engagement to help personalize therapy and accelerate relief.
Compared with traditional SCS systems, Nevro’s HFX platform delivers consistent relief without uncomfortable sensations and supports durable pain control backed by high‑quality clinical evidence.
Patient Testimonial
Benefits of SCS with 10 kHz Therapy
- Pain relief: Many patients experience meaningful and long‑lasting reduction in chronic pain.
- Improved function: Enhanced mobility, better sleep, and greater participation in daily activities.
- Quality of life improvements: Pain reduction can reduce emotional distress and empower patients to engage more fully in life.
Opioid reduction: Studies have shown significant reductions in opioid use among patients treated with high‑frequency SCS.
Who Can Benefit
Conditions Treated
Nevro’s 10 kHz HFX SCS therapy is indicated for the treatment of chronic, intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including:
- Chronic low back pain
- Chronic leg pain
- Non‑surgical refractory back pain (pain that has not improved with conventional management)
- Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) when programmed at 10 kHz as approved by regulatory authorities.
Patients who may benefit typically:
- Have persistent pain despite medications, injections, physical therapy, or surgery
- Are seeking alternatives to long‑term opioid use
Are motivated to improve function, mobility, sleep quality, and overall quality of life
SCS Implant
SCS Journey
Trial Phase
After evaluation by a pain specialist, temporary leads are placed and connected to an external stimulator for several days. Patients track changes in pain levels, sleep, activity, and medication use to help determine effectiveness.
Implant Phase
If the trial is successful, a permanent system is implanted in a minimally invasive procedure. Patients learn how to use the device, manage charging and therapy adjustments, and work with their clinician to optimize outcomes.
Post‑Implant Care
Follow‑up appointments help fine‑tune therapy settings and monitor progress. Patients gradually return to meaningful activities, supported by rehabilitation and lifestyle strategies that help sustain relief and improve quality of life.
Resources
Early Education Patient Brochure
Nevro offers patient education materials that cover:
- Chronic pain and neuromodulation overview
- 10 kHz HFX therapy and how it works
- The trial‑to‑implant process
- Device management, safety information, and lifestyle considerations
- Questions to discuss with a pain specialist
Chronic pain does not have to define your future. With Nevro’s high‑frequency SCS therapy, patients who have exhausted conventional options may find a path toward lasting pain relief, restored function, and a renewed sense of control over their lives.