Spinal Cord Stimulation has been around since 1989 as a treatment for chronic pain, and companies that make the devices are continuing to evolve their technologies, with what seems increasing speed.
The latest announcement comes from St. Jude Medical that the FDA has approved a system that is smaller than other devices and can be upgraded with new technology.
It’s called the Protégé MRI system, which the company claims will provide physicians with an option for therapy upgrades without the need for a future surgery. 
Spinal Cord Stimulation is a standard treatment for patients with chronic pain who have not found pain relief from other treatments. While the treatment doesn’t work for everyone, most patients who qualify report up to a 70% reduction in overall pain.
It’s used to treat chronic pain of the trunk and limbs, often associated with back pain, failed back surgery syndrome, RSD and other neuropathic pain conditions. SCS systems have surgically implanted components and external components.
The three leading companies in SCS therapy are Boston Scientific, Medtronic and St. Jude. The treatment, which nearly a half million people have had, is also attracting new companies entering into the neuromodulation market, such as Nevro.