Chronic pain in the back or legs can be hard to treat. Even therapies that seem to work can stop working after a while. The Nalu Neurostimulation System for spinal cord stimulation may finally deliver the long-term relief you’ve been looking for.

We identified the challenges and shortcomings of other stimulation systems and created a system that can offer patients a more livable alternative. To do that, we engineered a novel system based on proprietary advanced micro-electronics. Our system is considerably smaller than other neurostimulation systems and a lot easier to manage. You may find that it’s the pain solution you’ve been hoping for.

What Is Neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation is a proven drug-free pain management approach that uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they get to your brain. A small device called an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is placed underneath the skin and generates mild electrical pulses that are delivered through thin insulated wires called leads. 

These pulses may be delivered to nerves within your spinal cord or to a peripheral nerve that is associated with your pain. The pulses stimulate the targeted nerves and interrupt the body’s pain signals as they travel to the brain.

How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?

You can think of each of your nerves as a single-line telephone that can only carry one conversation at a time. 

Since the leads are already sending a signal to the brain through the nerves that normally carry the pain signal, the line is busy and the pain signal does not get to the brain. As long as the stimulation signal is on the line, the pain signal cannot get through.

By stimulating the spinal cord, pain signals coming from several areas of the body can be blocked. Leads are placed above the spinal cord and the IPG is typically placed in the lower back or abdomen area. Spinal cord stimulation may relieve several types of pain, including pain in the legs, arm, and back. 

How You’ll “Test Drive” the System

Once your physician decides that Nalu neurostimulation may be right for you, you can “test drive” the system to see if it delivers the relief you need.

Step 1: wear experience

The purpose of the wear experience is to make sure you are comfortable with Nalu wearables and feel what it would be like to live with the spinal cord stimulator system on a daily basis. During this assessment period, you will wear an adhesive clip and non-functioning Therapy Disc in various positions for up to 14 days to determine the best location of the Therapy Disc and IPG for your anatomy and lifestyle.

Step 2: therapy trial

To begin the trial, you will undergo a small surgical procedure to place thin wires (leads) near the nerve(s) identified by your physician and connect them to an external stimulator. During the therapy trial period, you and your physician will evaluate the amount of your pain relief and improvements in sleep and daily activities. After the therapy trial, the wires will be removed and you and your physician will decide if Nalu spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for you.

Step 3: permanent implant

If Steps 1 and 2 are successful, your physician will perform a minimally invasive surgical procedure to place permanent leads (1 or 2) and the Nalu micro-IPG in the optimal location for your specific pain. Your physician’s prescribed therapy will be programmed into the Nalu system and you will be trained on how to control your spinal cord stimulator through the remote control app on your smartphone.

Step 4: life resumed

You will work with your physician and the Nalu support team to optimize your Nalu spinal cord stimulator and manage your chronic pain. With pain relief, you may be able to resume activities (work, family, travel, etc.) that were previously too painful to enjoy.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Are spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation reversible?

Yes. Even though your leads and IPG are surgically implanted, they can be removed by your doctor, if ever needed.

Is neuromodulation covered by insurance or Medicare?

Neuromodulation is often covered by insurance or Medicare benefits, but it will depend on your personal health profile. Check with your healthcare provider or insurance company to learn more.

Can I turn the neurostimulation device off if I need to?

Yes, you will have control over your therapy and can turn it off using your Therapy Disc or the Nalu Remote Control App on your smartphone. You can also remove the Therapy Disc when therapy is not needed.

Can I travel with a neuromodulation system?

Traveling is simple and easy for people with a neuromodulation system. If you need to go through a security screening device, such as those found at the airport, you can request assistance to bypass the screening device since you have an implanted device.

Can I get an MRI with the Nalu Neurostimulation System?

Under certain conditions you can get an MRI with your Nalu device. Consult with your physician and Nalu representative before undergoing an MRI. To view Nalu Medical’s full MRI labeling, please click here.

How is the Therapy Disc held in place?

To hold the Therapy Disc, Nalu uses a clip with a special medical adhesive called hydrocolloid.  This type of adhesive has been widely used with patients for over 50 years with an allergy rate of less than 0.4%. Nalu patients find the Therapy Disc comfortable and oftentimes forget they’re wearing it.

Learn More

Talk to your doctor to learn if spinal cord stimulation is right for you. For additional questions, contact the Nalu Medical team.