HF10™ Therapy

Neuromodulation (the alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus, such as electrical stimulation or chemical agents, to specific neurological sites in the body) is a very effective strategy for pain management. Spinal cord stimulation is a longstanding and widely used form of Neuromodulation used in the management of refractory chronic pain – that is, pain that is unresponsive to conservative measures (medications, therapy, injections, etc.). Stimulator implantation procedures involve the placement of wire electrodes in the epidural space, on the back side of the spinal cord. Classic spinal cord stimulation typically produces paresthesias (a “buzzing” sensation) in the distribution of the patient’s chronic pain.

The Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicines offers a newer, state of the art form of spinal cord stimulation called HF10™ Therapy (high-frequency spinal cord stimulation) by Nevro. This new spinal cord stimulator technology, which stimulates the spinal cord at a higher frequency, has been a game-changer. It appears to have a completely different mechanism of action and has been shown to be significantly more effective, with enduring benefit for a wider range of conditions. Moreover, it has the benefit of blocking pain signals without any nuisance paresthesias or buzzing sensation. For the patient, that means they can benefit from pain relief from the stimulator while driving and/or sleep. This also dramatically simplifies the trial and implantation process, as the location of electrode placement does not need to be mapped out intra-operatively. Nevro’s HF10 Therapy may dramatically reduce or eliminate opioid/narcotic medication use. It can be used instead of complicated and aggressive spine surgery, in some cases. And the indications for use in an increasing number of conditions is being studied with very promising results.