Planning Holiday Travel With a Spinal Cord Stimulator? Here's What You Need to Know

It’s November, so the holiday season is fast approaching. As a patient with a new spinal cord stimulator (SCS), this may be the first time you’ve traveled with your pain management gear in place. It’s great that you no longer need to give your pain condition as much thought as you once did, but you still need to make a few accommodations. 

As pain management specialists, the team at 360 Orthopedics, with locations in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, strives to make your experience with SCS therapy the best it can be. That’s why we’re here to advise you on the best travel practices to adopt to incorporate SCS therapy. 

Spinal cord stimulator basics

Used to treat chronic pain, SCS devices use mild electrical current to alter the pain signals and the way they’re perceived in your brain. Leads are tested and placed in your body to reach the nerves that generate your symptoms. 

Also implanted in your body is a generator that provides the current necessary to modulate your pain. There’s an external controller that allows you to adjust your SCS pain relief. 

Planning holiday travel with SCS

Your SCS system is remarkably versatile, and it likely won’t significantly impact your holiday plans. Once the implant incisions have healed, for instance, a swim or a visit to the hot tub at your hotel is perfectly fine. 

The two places you may need to plan for during holiday travel are the airport and your car. Here’s what you need to know. 

Driving

Not just a holiday travel tip, you should shut off your SCS system any time you drive or operate heavy equipment. Sitting can place pressure on your SCS leads inside your body, leading to unexpected sensations that may be intense and distract you from controlling your vehicle. 

Shut off your SCS system when you’re actively driving. If you need pain relief from the system, get off the road or let another driver take over. 

Flying

Ahead of your holiday travel, consider discussing a medical ID card with us to share with airport security. Use the manufacturer’s information to understand your SCS system’s capabilities, such as passing through security X-rays, other types of security imaging, or through metal detectors. Bring along a printout of your device’s programming, also to share with security personnel. 

At the airport, inform TSA that you’re travelling with a medical device and have your supporting documents ready to share. Request alternative screening if the regular systems aren’t compatible with your SCS device. Shut your device down when it’s appropriate. 

If your flight is long and you have the means, booking a lie-flat seat may help prevent pressure on your spine that could affect your SCS device. Otherwise, choose an aisle seat to facilitate easier mobility. 

SCS therapy can offer excellent quality-of-life support when you’ve previously struggled with chronic pain. Contact 360 Orthopedics by phone or online to learn more today.