Media Statement - Spinal Cord Stimulation
For reliable, patient-focused information about spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain, see the FAQ developed by Painaustralia and the overview from the Neurosurgical Society of Australia and New Zealand explaining what spinal cord stimulation is, how it works, and when it may be used.
These resources provide clear answers to common questions about spinal cord stimulation treatment, safety considerations, and the role it can play in managing chronic pain in Australia.
Media Statement - Spinal Cord Stimulation
09 March 2026
One in five Australians over the age of 45* live with chronic persistent pain. Pain that often affects their ability to sleep, work, engage with family and friends, and participate in their community. For these Australians, we know that up to 80% of them are missing out on health care options that could manage their pain effectively, including affordable access to pain specialists and interdisciplinary care.
For a specific cohort of patients, Spinal Cord Stimulators (SCS) are an established therapy that offers clinically meaningful pain relief, improves quality of life, and can significantly reduce the reliance on long-term drug therapies, including opioids.
Decisions to proceed with SCS are not made lightly, but are the result of shared decision-making between patients and experienced healthcare professionals, based on a comprehensive body of robust clinical evidence and real-world outcomes.
Our members stand behind the safety, quality and efficacy of SCS technologies that have demonstrated positive outcomes for patients; backed by robust clinical trial data and real-world evidence.
Spinal cord stimulation devices remain approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration – an internationally respected regulator.
The current Government process relates to the reimbursement level for these devices under private health insurance, not their safety, regulatory approval or availability to patients.
We continue to work diligently with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), clinicians, and Painaustralia to support patient care.
ENDS
