If you’re a patient living with chronic back pain, you may be researching whether there’s a surgical solution to your problems. If so, you may have already discovered that one option is an implanted spinal cord stimulator, or SCS implant, which is generally only considered for long-term, chronic pain cases.

And while this option may hold promise, it isn’t without risks. According to statistics, up to a third of patients who receive an implant will experience spinal cord stimulator complications. Although most are minor, like infection or bruising, some spinal cord stimulator side effects are much more serious.

As you contemplate an SCS implant or other surgical procedures, or are even trying to delay or find an alternative to surgery, you should know there is a prescription-grade option that’s non-invasive and drug free, and provides real pain relief for 87 percent of patients who use it – the RS-4i® Plus.

The Science Behind the Relief

Patients looking to free themselves from back pain commonly find that electrotherapy with the RS-4i Plus delivers relief that is more pronounced and longer lasting than the relief provided by other home-use devices, and even some clinical therapies.

It has to do with the signal. The RS-4i Plus provides a more powerful pain-relieving signal than most devices – 5000 Hz. This compares to many over-the-counter electrotherapy units, and even some clinical units, that may only deliver 50 to 250 Hz.

A signal at 5000 Hz, which is also called a high-frequency signal, matters because it’s able to penetrate deeper into the tissue – targeting subcutaneous nerves in an effort to block pain signals and provide fast-acting relief. By contrast, lower-frequency signals simply lack the power to go as deep and, thus, are unlikely to produce the same degree of pain relief.

But that’s not all. In addition blocking pain signals, high-frequency offers the secondary benefit of triggering the body’s endorphin release – tiny molecules produced by the central nervous system that act as natural painkillers. The 20-30 minutes of high-frequency tissue stimulation provided by the RS-4i Plus is thought to provoke the brain into this release, which results in pain relief that generally lasts 4-8 hours.

Rely on the Results from Over 22,000 Veterans

While the science sounds good, you’re probably wondering whether this will work for your persistent back pain. If you can trust the feedback from over 22,000 military Veterans, then rest assured.

Assessments conducted with these RS-4i Plus users show that 87 percent experienced at least a 20 percent reduction in pain. Even better, half experienced a 50 percent or better reduction in pain. Some comments from these Veterans include:

“I am 90% pain free most of the time. I’m no longer afraid to try out more physical activities.”
“I used to have problems sitting down and getting up. It was very difficult, and a lot of times I needed help. That doesn't happen anymore.”
“It helps me sleep. Before I was getting no sleep at all, and now I get 6-7 hours.

The Added Bonus of Muscle Rehabilitation

In addition to pain relief, the RS-4i Plus also offers muscle therapy in the form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, or NMES. This treatment is designed to act upon motor nerve fibers for the purposes of muscle rehabilitation – as opposed to sensory nerve fibers for pain management.

Here, too, the RS-4i Plus is more advanced. Many devices are designed to recruit only a single type of muscle fiber, but the waveform provided by the RS-4i Plus can activate both faster-twitch fibers (like in your arms) and slower-twitch fibers (like in your back).

Being able to stimulate a broader range of muscle fibers, especially in the large muscles of the body like the quadriceps and back, allows the RS-4i Plus to elicit a maximal muscle contraction. That’s a technical way of saying that it can help improve blood flow and relax muscle spasms – which, in turn, helps further reduce pain.

Peace of Mind, at a Lower Cost

To go with the benefits of pain relief and muscle rehab, there’s also peace of mind knowing that using the RS-4i Plus doesn’t involve any medications or invasive procedures. And unlike a trip to the pain clinic, this prescription-strength therapy is available at home – whenever you need it. There’s no travel, no scheduling, no COVID risk.

To take a treatment, simply apply the electrodes to your skin, plug in the device and start your session with a few button clicks. The relief soon begins, and there’s virtually zero risk of injury or infection. Just remember to change the electrodes every 30 days.

Getting started with the RS-4i Plus can be faster and more cost-effective too. Just consult with your healthcare provider about a prescription, then order the device – which is shipped directly to you. Surgical remedies will undoubtedly take more time, require more appointments and could end up costing more out-of-pocket in the long run.

Help is Just a Few Clicks Away

While the RS-4i Plus offers professional-grade therapy, it’s still simple to use independently.

Locate the pre-programmed treatment that’s right for you, then set the intensity level based upon your pain and settle in for your session. Even simpler – the last treatment you used is saved as your default, so there’s no need to hunt for where you left off.

If you need help, which invariably will happen at 2:00 am, video instructions and our pad placement guide are a click away in the online Interactive Pad Placement Guide.

Take the Next Step

Ordering your own RS-4i Plus requires a prescription. For that reason, we offer a guide to aid in your review of RS Medical product information and assist in the discussion with your healthcare provider – where you can decide whether getting pain relief without the complications of surgical procedures is right for you.

Complete this form to view, download and print the guide.

Related Resources

Blog: Treating Back Pain at Home Can Be Easier than You Think
Blog: Traci's Pain Dropped 60% in Two Weeks with the RS-4i Plus

This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare professional.

Break the Cycle of Back Pain without Surgery