Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Market

Market Overview

The global Spinal Cord Stimulation Market was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

Spinal cord stimulation is a neuromodulation therapy that involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain. It is mainly used for chronic pain conditions, such as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and other neuropathic pain syndromes. SCS systems consist of pulse generator, leads, and remote controller. There are rechargeable and non-rechargeable systems available. Spinal cord stimulation can provide a minimally invasive option for the treatment of chronic pain compared to opioids or open surgeries, and it has the potential to improve quality of life. The market growth is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic pain, increased demand for non-opioid pain management, development of stimulation technologies (high-frequency stimulation and burst stimulation), and expanded indications for use. In addition, increased education and awareness, improvement in reimbursement, and the aging population can further expand the market nationally and internationally.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Incidence of Chronic Pain Conditions Globally

Chronic pain disorders, especially neuropathic pain, are the biggest driving force behind the spinal cord stimulation market. Many patients with conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and diabetic neuropathy are left with chronic pain that is unbearable and cannot be treated with other means.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 50 million adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain, while over 19.6 million adults experience high-impact chronic pain that prevents them from participating in everyday activities. This pain burden has contributed to the demand for neuromodulation-based therapies such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), which provides patients with the prospect of long-term pain relief without relying on an opioid.

According to a 2023 study published in Pain Medicine, SCS therapy resulted in significant trails of pain scores over time and reductions in opioid usage among patients with FBSS and CRPS. With the increasing awareness of alternative pain therapies, SCS is seeing greater acceptance around the world especially in developing and emerging markets. Additionally, nations like Japan and Germany with increased geriatric populations and growing levels of degenerative spinal conditions are also increasing their use of spinal cord stimulators.

Technological Advancements and Next-Generation Devices

Advancements in technology have improved spinal cord stimulation devices, yielding better patient outcomes and increasing treatment availability with spinal cord stimulation. Technology changes such as high-frequency stimulation (10 kHz), burst stimulation, closed-loop feedback systems, or wireless rechargeable implants have increased the functionality, comfort, and ease of use for these devices.

Abbott’s recent launch of the Proclaim™ XR SCS Prescription with NeuroSphere™ Virtual Clinic in 2023 allows remote management of therapy via mobile phone, and Boston Scientific’s WaveWriter Alpha™ series received FDA approval in 2022, with their product allowing burst stimulation, and paresthesia-free waveforms in one device. The start of even more minimally invasive implants and MRI compatible devices is making the therapy safer and accessible to a broader group of patients.

In an environment where all of the firms compete for market share of a limited number of cases, these technology technologies will allow firms to promote their products, allowing them to charge premium prices, generating more revenue.

Market Restraint

High Cost of Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices and Procedures

The expense involved with spinal cord stimulator (SCS) systems and implantation remains a major barrier to wider adoption. A standard SCS system inclusive of the pulse generator, leads, and a surgical procedure typically can run anywhere from USD $20-60K depending on the region, the patient’s anatomy, the kind of device (rechargeable versus non-rechargeable), and the infrastructure at the hospital.

In many developing countries where healthcare expenditure is almost solely out-of-pocket, the cost of an SCS system would generally be unfeasible. In more well-developed regions such as the U.S. and Europe, even with partial reimbursement, patients cannot incur any further costs due to co-pays, follow up appointments, or battery replacements.

As well, the costs do not stop with the initial implant, as any replacements or revisions (due to battery life, lead migrations, or infection) add to a longer chain of costs. As a recent article published in the journal Neuromodulation notes (2022), the complications associated with the device and reoperations remain to be a problem, especially within the first 12-24 months post-implantation.

The cost will remain a limiting factor for a lot of patients especially for patients in low- and middle- income countries, and even inhibit market development in underserved areas. Costly alternatives or innovations in reimbursement will need to emerge before we can expand the SCS globally.

Segmental Analysis

The Spinal Cord Stimulation Market is segmented by product type, By Application and end-user. Each segment plays a vital role in addressing chronic pain management and expanding access to neuromodulation therapy.

By Product Type

Rechargeable Spinal Cord Stimulators were on top in 2024 with a share of 64.7% of the overall market, attributed to longer battery life, muscular battery longevity, or less need for additional surgical replacement, which has been combined with an increasing natural patient demand for convenience. Rechargeable devices negotiate successfully the innovative challenge of being appropriate for more young and active patients needing reliable pain management over an appropriate time-frame.

New developments in device technologies which include wireless charging, Bluetooth-enabled control, or compact designs further promotes a developing demand Redefining the market. The rechargeable portions popularity is evidenced with Abbott’s Proclaim XR SCS system, demonstrating extended battery life yet low charging time acquiring significant global traction for the past few years.

As a product line, non-rechargeable Spinal Kim Stimulators were diminishing with regard to relative market share, but continuity remains within some generations, particularly in instances with an older age patient population sample or reasonable life expectancy where longevity of the device is not considered paramount – period. The non-rechargeable market sector also remains viable within low resource settings when the cost advantages of using rechargeable systems continues to challenge patient outcomes.

By End-User

Hospitals had the most prominent share of 58.9% in 2024. The growing number of spinal surgeries performed, the available infrastructure for neuromodulation procedures and the presence of trained neurosurgeons and pain specialists further drove the utilization of hospitals for SCS therapy. In fact, hospitals are often considered referral centers for complex pain cases and can provide both implantation and post-operative follow-up care.

These features make hospitals the preferred site in the delivery of SCS therapy for patients. Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) is gaining traction in this space and anticipated to grow fastest over the forecast period. The healthcare landscape have shifted from traditional open surgical procedures to more minimally invasive surgical procedures and same-day discharges.

ASCs represent a patient-centered and economically-viable solution to the hospital-based SCS surgery. The availability of compact SCS systems that are also MRI-compatible have provided the opportunity to advance outpatient surgery practices to even more out of the hospital. Facilities that are performing the majority of SCS procedures as outpatient exist, particularly in North America and Europe.

Specialty Pain Clinics represent another rising end-user of SCS therapy as well, especially as the increasing proliferation of specialty pain clinics are appearing in urban populations. Specialty clinics have transformed into providers of tailored patient-centric pain solutions, including spinal cord stimulation trials, patient counseling, and probative monitoring of their implanted SCS device. One of the most noteworthy or established public health concerns is chronic pain, and given this acknowledgement and focus, specialty pain clinics and pain programs are evolving their presence to provide SCS therapy for patients, especially in regions that have mature healthcare systems.

By Application

The Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) segment captured the paciest share of the market at 41.2% in 2024, making it the largest application of spinal cord simulation. FBSS is present when patients experience persistent pain following spinal surgery. SCS is one of the most effective treatment options for pain management when conservative options are ineffective.

With the number of spinal surgeries steadily increasing in the aging population globally, there is a continuously increasing need for SCS in patients with FBSS. Spinal cord stimulation has been shown in a clinical review from 2023 to be sustained effective at long-term pain relief and reducing opioid reliance following failed back surgery syndrome (Neurosurgery Clinics of North America).

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is also a significant application contributing to the market. CRPS is an entirely debilitating neuropathic pain disorder, and SCS remains one of the few FDA-approved treatments for long-term pain modulation. The latest technologies in burst and high-frequency stimulation modes have increased efficacy and patient satisfaction within CRPS.

Regional Analysis

North America

North America is projected to account for the largest market share of 44.8% in 2024, led by the developed healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence of chronic pain conditions, and positive development of neuromodulation technologies. The United States is the largest contributor to the growth of the region, with the availability of spinal cord stimulation procedures and visits to hospitals and pain clinics.

The U.S. market has favorable reimbursement practices from Medicare and private insurance companies, physician and patient awareness, and many leading manufacturers, including Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific, among others. In addition, Canada is also supporting the market growth through increasing investments in pain management research and the number of neuromodulation centers.

Europe

Europe is the second-largest overall with a growing elderly population, robust government healthcare systems, and a heightened interest in non-opioid pain management. There is well-established neuromodulation infrastructure in countries like Germany, the U.K., France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

For example, Germany continues to conduct a relatively high volume of SCS implantations, assisted by a well-organized reimbursement structure and a large burden of spine-related disease. According to Eurostat, musculoskeletal conditions are the main contributor to disability in older Europeans, and the demand for SCS arises from this. There is also ongoing clinical research and development in countries such as Sweden and Italy, fuelling innovation and growing activity within Europe.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.6% in the forecast period. Contributions to this growth will include increasing healthcare investments, increases in the incidence of chronic pain, and improving access to care. Japan will command the majority market share due to its older population and readiness to adopt advanced medical devices. China and India are emerging quickly, and case loads are consistently increasing among diabetic neuropathy patients.

Private hospitals are developing across the region, and population health and logistics are generating demand for procedures that rely on minimally invasive techniques. In India, the emergence of medical tourism and increased focus on chronic pain in metropolitan areas has greatly improved optimism on the market opportunity. Future increases by the government of India for local device manufacturing will also aid in reducing prices that will increase access.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

The Latin American and Middle East & Africa (MEA) regions are experiencing moderate growth driven primarily by incremental improvements to healthcare infrastructure and a developing understanding that pain management is needed. In Latin America, Brazil and Mexico are the main contributors given that the private healthcare sections are offering neuromodulation therapy quite suddenly.

In the MEA region, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the main contributors as well because they are improving their healthcare capabilities and face growing instances of diabetic neuropathy and post surgical pain. However, coverage reimbursement from insurance, high device costs and lack of trained professional personnel are limiting market access. However, increasing awareness, along with global co-operations, are expected to improve and allow for better patient access for spinal cord stimulation therapies in the near future.

Recent Development

1. June 2025: Boston Scientific received FDA approval and launched W4 and D4 lead splitters for its Precision Plus™ SCS system, enabling multi-site placement of up to four leads for enhanced pain coverage and customizable therapy options.
2. July 2025: Boston Scientific unveiled the Precision Plus™ system—the world’s smallest rechargeable SCS device—bringing EGL Scan™ lead visualization technology, a cordless long-range remote, and a compact charger to improve clinician efficiency and patient ease-of-use.