For patients living with chronic pain, the road to relief can feel endless. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and even surgery are not always effective, leaving patients with persistent pain that interferes with daily life. But an innovative solution exists: neuromodulation, a clinically proven therapy that offers a more advanced and targeted approach to pain management.
At Atlantic Health System, Dr. Jason Smith, Chairman of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Morristown Medical Center, leads a team at the forefront of this field. With state-of-the-art closed-loop neuromodulation technology, patients now have access to a personalized, real-time approach to pain relief—and referring physicians have a powerful new option to consider for appropriate candidates.
A Targeted Approach for Effective Pain Management
Neuromodulation offers personalized pain relief for conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), diabetic neuropathy, and chronic post-surgical pain.
Unlike traditional pain management strategies that may only leverage systemic medications or repeated interventions, neuromodulation can be a standalone or complementary therapy that works by altering pain signals before they reach the brain.
"Pain is a one-lane signal," Dr. Smith described. "By using neuromodulation, we can alter that signal, essentially turning down the volume on pain and allowing patients to regain their quality of life."
Neuromodulation devices—often referred to as spinal cord stimulators—use electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals at the spinal cord level. Studies have shown that the use of neuromodulation can reduce chronic pain and need for opioids while improving mobility and the ability to return to normal daily activities. These devices are implanted via a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and can be adjusted in real time to better match a patient’s needs.
Neuromodulation is an Effective Treatment for Many
Physicians should consider referring patients for neuromodulation when:
- Conservative treatments have failed (e.g., physical therapy, injections, medication).
- Surgery is not an option or has not provided adequate relief.
- The patient has neuropathic pain (e.g., diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-laminectomy syndrome, or CRPS).
- The patient is looking to reduce reliance on pain medications.
Neuromodulation is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for carefully selected patients, it can be life-changing.
The Breakthrough: Closed-Loop Neuromodulation for Precise and Personalized Therapy
One of the most exciting advancements in this field is closed-loop neuromodulation, an innovation that automatically adjusts stimulation levels in real time based on a patient’s movement and spinal activity.
"With closed loop, a patient's body is allowed to kind of give some feedback to the system,” Dr. Smith explained. “So if they're moving, if somebody's moving or twisting, the distance between the lead and the spinal cord or the nerves changes, and the system is able to adapt to these changes and tell how much or how little of a signal to deliver in order to alleviate pain without aggravating the patient.”
This technology ensures that pain relief is consistent and personalized, regardless of whether a patient is sitting, standing, walking, or even playing sports. It also eliminates the need for manual adjustments, giving patients more freedom and reducing unnecessary clinic visits.
Morristown Medical Center: A Regional Leader in Neuromodulation
The neuromodulation program at Morristown Medical Center has grown exponentially in the past five years.
"When I started here in 2017, it was just me. Now we have five interventional spine physicians successfully practicing neuromodulation across our regions," said Dr. Smith.
This expansion means improved access to care for patients and a stronger referral network for physicians looking for trusted specialists.
Referring physicians – whether primary care doctors, neurologists, or orthopedic specialists – play a critical role in identifying patients who could benefit from neuromodulation. Dr. Smith emphasized that early referrals are key:
"We are here to help your patients. If you have questions, reach out to us. We will answer whatever we can and work with you. It is not about siloed care; it’s about that team effect and getting a patient to a place where they feel comfortable with what they’re doing and they’re happy."
Bringing the Best Care to Patients
Neuromodulation is not just another pain management tool, it’s a transformative approach that is changing how we think about treating chronic pain. With strong clinical backing, proven patient outcomes, and groundbreaking technology, this therapy is providing new hope for patients who have exhausted their options.
For physicians seeking a trusted partner in pain management, Morristown Medical Center is leading the way. Dr. Jason Smith and his team are committed to working alongside referring physicians to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
If you have a patient struggling with chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments, neuromodulation could provide the relief they need.
To refer a patient or consult with Dr. Smith and his team, contact Morristown Medical Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center.