The market for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems, used for treating chronic debilitating pain, is expanding relentlessly, and companies like Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, Boston Scientific and Nevro are all vying to gain more market share with their respective technologies. At this year's annual meeting of the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) in Las Vegas, physicians were presented with the latest clinical evidence backing these innovations. This article looks at the overall SCS market, discusses study findings presented at NANS and the latest innovations. It also provides insights from two established pain management specialists on factors they think will drive SCS technologies forward.

The field of neuromodulation for treating chronic pain is growing rapidly, especially in the fastest-growing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) market segment, which is expected to hit $2.4bn by 2021. This article, the first of a two-part series, will explore what the key drivers and limitations are for the SCS market and provide insight from three established pain management specialists on what factors will push wider adoption of this therapy.

This week, studies supported Nevro’s spinal cord stimulation therapy and a VRx system that helps reduce pain; the American Medical Association found inconsistent insurance coverage of digital therapeutics; and Geneticure announced a cheek-swab test to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from renal denervation.