Bayer launches TENS device for lower back pain relief

Bayer announced that Aleve® Direct Therapy™, a safe, drug-free, pain relief device, is now available at retailers nationwide in the analgesics aisle. Aleve Direct Therapy uses the same TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) technology used by doctors to provide consumers with deep penetrating relief at the source of lower back pain. TENS is a non-invasive, drug-free method of controlling pain that works by delivering stimulating pulses at the site of pain.

"For people suffering from lower back pain the availability of the Aleve Direct Therapy TENS Device is good news. The device provides drug-free, deep penetrating lower-back pain relief, without a prescription," said Fred Duchin, Vice President of Marketing Analgesics of Cough & Cold, Cardiovascular, Consumer Health Division.

Aleve Direct Therapy is indicated for the temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the lower back due to strain from exercise or normal household and work activities. Aleve Direct Therapy is regulated as a Class II medical device and was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its unique patented waveform technology can provide deep penetrating relief by blocking the body's pain signals and by releasing endorphins in the areas of pain – the two theories behind how TENS technology works.

"Aleve Direct Therapy puts controllable TENS technology in consumers hands without having to visit the doctor. It provides high intensity of power and its wireless remote control makes it easy to adjust the power of intensity to fit the user's needs," said Andre Schmidt, Vice President, US Medical Affairs, Consumer Health Division. "We are pleased to be able to provide this safe, drug-free and convenient self-care option to help consumers get the relief they need from lower back pain."

A press release can be found from Bayer website.

FDA Approves MRI Spinal Cord Stimulator from Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific announced the launch of the Precision Montage MRI Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) System after receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Precision Montage System offers customized relief to patients with chronic pain while also enabling safe access to full body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a 1.5 Tesla environment when conditions of use are met.

More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which can have a devastating impact on quality of life. Patients with pain sometimes experience a fluctuation in location, type and intensity of pain throughout the day or over time. The Precision Montage MRI SCS System allows patients to undergo a full-body MRI while benefiting from the pain relief of MultiWave Technology. MultiWave Technology enables delivery of multiple waveforms, including burst and higher rates, intended to help respond to changes in pain over time. In an analysis of registry information from 800 patients, it was determined that 72 percent used multiple waveforms to customize their therapy and optimize pain relief.

A press release can be found from Boston Scientific website by following this link.