Spinal Cord Stimulation Specialists In New Jersey

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a pain treatment option that uses electrical currents to interrupt pain signals as they travel along the spinal cord toward the brain. Electrodes placed between vertebrae emit low-voltage electrical impulses powered by a generator implanted under the skin and controlled externally by a handheld remote control.

How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works?

Spinal cord stimulation works by interrupting the body’s own nerve impulses. Mild electrical currents emitted by a spinal cord stimulation device stimulate specific nerve fibers in the spinal cord, masking and replacing pain signals so that they never reach the brain.

A spinal cord stimulator is often implanted at the height of the sternum (breastbone) but may be placed along other areas of the spine, depending on the circumstances. Your Resolve doctor will recommend the best location for implantation based on your symptoms and treatment goals. Once the spinal cord stimulator has been placed, you will be able to control the electrical currents it emits in order to effectively manage discomfort and spikes in pain.

Types Of Spinal Cord Stimulators We Use

Your Resolve pain specialist will recommend the best type of spinal cord stimulator implant for your particular needs and take the time to explore its potential benefits and drawbacks with you. The two types of spinal cord stimulators we commonly work with are conventional and rechargeable devices:

Conventional Stimulators

Conventional spinal cord stimulators are often recommended for patients whose pain is primarily limited to one area. Offering a lower voltage of electricity than rechargeable stimulators, they require virtually no special attention after being implanted, but one or more subsequent procedures may be required to replace their batteries over time.

Rechargeable Stimulators

Rechargeable spinal cord stimulators are often recommended for patients whose chronic pain is more widespread. Offering a higher voltage of electricity than conventional stimulators, they can be externally recharged—which can be time-consuming but also helps to avoid the need for future procedures.

The Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Period

Before undergoing a permanent implantation procedure, your pain specialist at Resolve Pain will have you complete a trial period to find out whether or not you are a good candidate for pain relief with spinal cord stimulation. Temporary electrodes will be inserted into your epidural space but attached to a generator that is worn externally rather than implanted under the skin.

If you experience pain reduction of 50% or more during the trial period, your doctor will likely recommend moving forward with a permanent implantation procedure. If you do not experience effective pain relief during your spinal cord stimulation trial, the expert team at Resolve Pain will probably recommend alternative treatment options.

How Spinal Cord Stimulation Can Offer Permanent Pain Relief

More than 50,000 spinal cord stimulator implantation procedures are performed annually around the world with the aim of helping patients eliminate chronic pain and regain their quality of life. Unlike oral medications, spinal injections, and other treatments that must be repeated on a regular basis, spinal cord stimulation can offer effective pain relief over the long term. To find out whether or not spinal cord stimulation may be the right treatment option for your needs, contact Resolve Pain today!

Good Candidates For Spinal Cord Stimulation

Many factors go into determining whether or not a patient is a suitable candidate for spinal cord stimulation. Generally speaking, you may be a good candidate for the procedure if:

• You have intractable pain (pain that has been unresponsive to other medical treatments, including back surgery).
• You are in overall good health and do not have any medical conditions that would make an implantation procedure risky.
• You do not have untreated depression or a drug addiction.

Conditions Treated

Many pain conditions can be treated with spinal cord stimulation. At Resolve Pain, some of the conditions we commonly recommend the treatment for include:

• Chronic pain in the back, neck, and/or limbs
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Compressed nerves or sciatica
• Severe arthritic pain

What To Expect From Treatment

Spinal cord stimulation won’t eliminate pain entirely, but in many cases, it can reduce it substantially. One study found that 80% of patients who underwent a spinal cord stimulator implant procedure experienced moderate to excellent pain relief results. Pain relief correlated with spinal cord stimulation may gradually decrease over time, but can still offer a long-term improvement for patients living with severe chronic pain.

Results And Recovery

Spinal cord stimulator implantation is a same-day procedure that is performed on-site at our state-of-the-art clinic. Most patients notice an immediate decrease in pain afterward but may require some support from our knowledgeable team to achieve optimal pain control as they adjust to life with their new device.

Why Choose Resolve Pain And Spine?

Resolve Pain is a cutting-edge spine clinic that takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to pain management. We specialize in discovering hidden causes of chronic pain and treating them using a combination of innovative treatment approaches customized to the needs of each patient. To learn more about spinal cord stimulation and other treatment options available at Resolve, book your appointment today!

Schedule An Appointment Today!

Don’t live a moment longer in pain. Contact the exceptional team at Resolve Pain instead! We look forward to working with you.