Spinal Cord Stimulation in Lyndhurst, NJ


Spinal Cord Stimulation


If you're living with chronic pain that hasn't responded to multiple treatments and significantly impacts your quality of life, spinal cord stimulation may offer hope for substantial, long-lasting relief. At CORE Medical & Wellness in Lyndhurst, NJ, our fellowship-trained pain management specialists provide advanced spinal cord stimulation therapy to help patients throughout Bergen County regain control over chronic pain and return to meaningful activities.

Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation


Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an advanced pain management therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. A small, implantable device delivers controlled electrical stimulation to specific areas of the spinal cord, effectively "masking" chronic pain signals and providing significant relief for appropriately selected patients.
The system consists of thin, insulated wires (leads) placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord and a small generator device that produces the electrical impulses. Modern SCS systems are sophisticated, programmable devices that can be customized to provide optimal pain relief for each individual patient.

Spinal cord stimulation may help with:


  • Failed back surgery syndrome
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Chronic leg pain (sciatica) from spine conditions
    Neuropathic pain conditions
  • Chronic arm or leg pain from nerve damage
  • Certain types of chronic abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Post-surgical chronic pain syndromes

SCS is typically considered for patients with chronic pain who have not achieved adequate relief with conservative treatments, medications, or other interventional procedures.


Interventional Pain Management


If you’re in pain, we will carefully listen and assess your personal situation to work to help eliminate or reduce your pain. Our world-class interventional pain management physicians can help you reduce pain and get you back to your daily activities using cutting-edge treatments along with holistic therapies options.

The doctors at CORE Medical & Wellness bring years worth of knowledge around chronic pain. They treat each individual with a fresh set of eyes to offer the best treatment management possible. They offer a wide-variety of options to suit a myriad of alternative solutions.

We Treat:


While there are a variety of sports related conditions that can be treated via non-surgical methods, we specialize in the following:

  • Failed Back Syndrome
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Phantom Limb Pain
  • Coccydynia
  • Bursitis
  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
  • Biceps Tendinopathy
  • Arthritis
  • Compression Fractures of the Spine
  • Back Pain
  • Extruded Discs
  • Post-Herpetic Syndrome – Shingles
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Sacroiliac Joint Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Joint Pain
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Tension Headaches
  • Knee Pain
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Scoliosis
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Vertebral Pain
  • Hip Pain

Our Approach to Spinal Cord Stimulation


At CORE Medical & Wellness, we use the most advanced spinal cord stimulation technology and techniques to provide personalized pain relief solutions for patients with complex chronic pain conditions.

Careful Patient Selection

Spinal cord stimulation is a significant treatment decision that requires thorough evaluation. We carefully assess each patient's pain condition, previous treatments, psychological factors, and overall suitability to ensure optimal outcomes.

Trial Period Before Permanent Implant

Every patient undergoes a trial period with temporary leads to test their response to SCS before considering permanent implantation. This allows you to experience the therapy and ensure it provides meaningful relief before making a long-term commitment.

Advanced Technology Options

We offer the latest spinal cord stimulation technologies, including high-frequency stimulation, burst stimulation, and closed-loop systems that can adapt to your body's changing needs throughout the day.

Comprehensive Support and Follow-up

Our commitment extends beyond the implant procedure. We provide extensive education, programming optimization, and long-term follow-up care to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes from your SCS system.

Our fellowship-trained pain management specialists, Dr. Richard Kang and Dr. Shelly Sharma, have extensive experience with spinal cord stimulation and stay current with the latest advances in neuromodulation therapy.


Evaluation and Treatment Process


This diagnostic technique identifies the source of facet joint and back pain. It can pinpoint pain-causing issues and potentially offer relief. Depending on individual factors, patients experiencing relief might qualify for radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Comprehensive Pain Assessment

Our evaluation includes detailed assessment of your pain history, previous treatments, functional limitations, and how chronic pain affects your daily life and relationships.

Psychological Evaluation

A psychological assessment helps ensure you have realistic expectations and the coping skills needed to maximize success with spinal cord stimulation therapy.

Advanced Imaging Review

  • MRI Analysis: Detailed review of spinal anatomy and previous surgical changes
  • CT Scans: Assessment of spinal hardware or anatomical considerations
  • X-rays: Evaluation of spinal alignment and structural factors

Medical Optimization

We ensure that other treatable factors contributing to your pain are addressed before considering SCS, maximizing your potential for success.


Spinal Cord Stimulation Process


Trial Phase

Lead Placement: During the trial, thin wires are placed in the epidural space through a minor procedure. These temporary leads are connected to an external stimulator that you wear for about a week.
Trial Period: Assessment You'll test the stimulation in your normal environment, assessing pain relief, functional improvement, and how the therapy affects your daily activities.
Success Criteria: A successful trial typically involves at least 50% pain reduction and meaningful improvement in function and quality of life.

Permanent Implantation

 Generator Placement: If the trial is successful, the permanent system is implanted. The generator (similar to a pacemaker) is placed under the skin, typically in the lower back or buttock area.
Lead Positioning: Permanent leads are placed in the optimal position determined during your trial, ensuring the best possible pain coverage.
System Programming: The device is programmed to provide personalized stimulation patterns that maximize your pain relief while minimizing any unwanted sensations.


Advanced SCS Technologies


High-Frequency Stimulation

Modern systems can deliver high-frequency stimulation that provides pain relief without the tingling sensation associated with traditional SCS.

Burst Stimulation

Advanced stimulation patterns that more closely mimic natural nerve firing, potentially providing superior pain relief for certain conditions.

Closed-Loop Systems

Sophisticated devices that can monitor your body's response and automatically adjust stimulation for optimal pain control throughout the day.

Rechargeable vs. Non-Rechargeable Options

We offer both battery types, with rechargeable systems providing longer device life and smaller generators, while non-rechargeable systems eliminate the need for regular charging.


Why Choose CORE Medical & Wellness


Fellowship-Trained Expertise

Our pain management physicians completed specialized interventional pain fellowships and have extensive experience with spinal cord stimulation procedures and programming.

Comprehensive SCS Program

We offer complete spinal cord stimulation services, from initial evaluation through long-term device management, ensuring continuity of care throughout your treatment journey.

Latest Technology Access

We stay current with the newest SCS technologies and techniques, offering our patients access to the most advanced neuromodulation therapies available.

Personalized Care Approach

We recognize that every chronic pain patient is unique. Our treatment plans are individualized based on your specific pain condition, lifestyle, and goals.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is an implantable device therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt chronic pain signals before they reach the brain, providing significant pain relief for appropriately selected patients.

How is spinal cord stimulation performed?

The procedure involves placing thin wires in the epidural space and implanting a small generator device. Every patient first undergoes a trial period to test effectiveness before permanent implantation.

What should I expect during SCS evaluation and trial?

The evaluation process includes comprehensive pain assessment, psychological evaluation, and medical optimization. The trial involves temporary lead placement and about a week of testing in your normal environment.

What should I expect after spinal cord stimulation implant?

Most patients experience significant pain reduction and improved function. The device can be programmed and adjusted to optimize your pain relief, and you'll learn to use the patient controller to manage your therapy.

How long do spinal cord stimulators last?

Device longevity depends on the type of battery. Rechargeable systems can last 10+ years, while non-rechargeable systems typically last 3-5 years. The leads often last much longer than the generators.

Does insurance cover spinal cord stimulation?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary spinal cord stimulation for appropriately selected patients when conservative treatments have been tried. Our staff will verify coverage and handle prior authorization requirements.



We’re looking forward to serving you!