Spinal Cord Stimulation: Advanced Pain Relief Without Opioids | Jersey City Pain Doctors

If you're living with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to medications, physical therapy, or injections, you're not alone—and you're not out of options. At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics in Jersey City, we offer Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)—an advanced, minimally invasive treatment that can significantly reduce pain without the need for opioids.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a small device near your spine that sends low-level electrical signals to disrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. This helps you feel less pain—or even no pain at all—in areas like your lower back, legs, arms, or neck.

Symptoms That May Warrant Spinal Cord Stimulation

You may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if you experience:

• Chronic back or neck pain (especially after surgery)

• Sciatica or nerve-related pain in your legs or arms

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

• Pain after failed back surgery (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)

• Neuropathy or diabetic nerve pain

• Pain that persists despite injections, medications, or physical therapy

Conservative Treatments Come First

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, we don’t jump straight to spinal cord stimulation. First, we focus on conservative, non-surgical options such as:

• Physical therapy

• Epidural steroid injections

• Nerve blocks

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

• Regenerative therapies like PRP

Only if these treatments fail to provide lasting relief will we consider spinal cord stimulation.

Why We Avoid Opioids

While opioids can help with acute pain in the short term, long-term use can lead to:

• Addiction and dependence

• Tolerance (needing more over time)

• Withdrawal symptoms

• Hormonal imbalance

• Increased sensitivity to pain (opioid-induced hyperalgesia)

That’s why our physicians in Jersey City prioritize minimally invasive, non-opioid alternatives like spinal cord stimulation to provide safe, long-lasting relief.

The Trial Period: Try Before You Commit

One of the unique aspects of spinal cord stimulation is the trial period. Before a permanent device is implanted, we give you the opportunity to "test drive" the treatment.

Here's how it works:

1. A temporary stimulator is placed under the skin using a small needle.

2. The device is worn externally for about 7 days.

3. During this time, you'll track how much pain relief you're getting.

If your pain improves by a certain percentage, you're considered a good candidate for the permanent device.

What Happens After the Trial Period?

If the trial is successful and you report significantly less pain, you can proceed with the permanent implantation, which:

• Is done as an outpatient procedure

• Involves placing a small device under the skin, usually near the buttock or abdomen

• Allows you to control the level of stimulation with a handheld remote

You’ll be able to go about your daily life—walking, working, and sleeping—with greater comfort and less reliance on medications.

Who Qualifies for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have chronic pain for 6 months or longer

• Have tried and failed other treatments

• Are not a good candidate for further surgery

• Are not experiencing untreated major depression or substance abuse

• Have realistic expectations and are willing to undergo the trial

Our Jersey City team performs a thorough evaluation to determine if this therapy is right for you.

Why Choose Garden State Pain and Orthopedics – Jersey City

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, we are committed to cutting-edge pain management without dependency. Our team of board-certified physicians has deep expertise in neuromodulation, interventional procedures, and non-opioid pain solutions.

Whether you're struggling with failed back surgery, nerve damage, or long-term lower back pain, spinal cord stimulation could be your path back to a more active, fulfilling life.

Ready to Explore Non-Opioid Pain Relief?

If you're in Jersey City and tired of living in pain, contact Garden State Pain and Orthopedics to schedule a consultation. Our team will walk you through your options and help determine if spinal cord stimulation is right for you.