Are There Travel Restrictions With Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Are There Travel Restrictions With Spinal Cord Stimulation?

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is an implantable device that delivers electric pulses to specific nerve fibers that control pain.
  • SCS is not a cure for chronic pain, but can help manage pain symptoms.
  • Because SCS uses an implantable generator that produces low-level electric pulses, patients need to be cautious of certain lifestyle choices.

The leaders of Utah pain management at Southwest Spine and Pain Center offer spinal cord stimulation as a treatment option for those living in chronic pain. To learn more about this device and the procedure itself, please visit our treatments page. If you already have a SCS device, check out some of the travel and lifestyle restrictions/modifications:

Flying
Metal detectors and other airport devices may detect your spinal cord stimulation system. Because of this, you’ll need to work with the appropriate agencies to receive a patient identification card that will help you move through security checkpoints smoothly. If you have a transmitter spinal cord stimulator, you may be required to turn the transmitter off during takeoff and landing.

Driving
It’s important you turn the stimulator off while driving or operating heavy machinery. If you are riding in a motor vehicle as a passenger, however, you can leave the stimulator on.

Swimming & Bathing
You may not shower, bathe or swim with a trial SCS device in, nor can you participate in any of these activities until your sutures have completely healed. After you have your permanent device implanted and your sutures are healed, you can be submerged in water safely.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With five locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.