What Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) uses a tiny electrical device placed near a specific peripheral nerve associated with your pain. This device sends mild electrical impulses that adjust the pain signals traveling from the nerve to your brain, reducing your discomfort without the need for ongoing medications or major surgery.
How Does PNS Work?
- The device consists of a thin wire (electrode) that is carefully placed under the skin, close to the painful nerve under image guidance.
- Gentle electrical pulses “mask” or block pain signals as they travel to the brain, often replacing the pain sensation with a gentle,comfortable “pulsing / tingling” sensation
- The strength of the stimulation is adjustable, so therapy can be personalized for your needs and comfort.
- PNS may also promote long-term improvement by encouraging healthy nerve activity and breaking cycles of chronic pain.
Who Is a Candidate for PNS?
PNS can help patients with a variety of chronic pain conditions, especially when they have not responded well to medications, physical therapy, or injections. Common indications include:
- Nerve injuries and neuropathic pain
- Persistent pain after surgery (including hernia repair, mastectomy, joint replacement)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Post-amputation pain (phantom limb pain)
- Facial, back, or limb neuropathic pain
A thorough evaluation by our pain specialists will determine if PNS is right for your situation.
The PNS Treatment Process
1. Trial Period:
- A temporary device is placed using local anesthesia and imaging guidance.
- You try the device for about a week, adjusting the stimulation as needed.
- If you experience significant pain relief, you become eligible for permanent implantation.
2. Permanent Device Implantation:
- If the trial is successful, a permanent PNS system is placed under the skin using a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure.
- The device can be turned on, off, and adjusted using a remote control.
3. Recovery and Follow-Up:
- Most patients return home the same day.
- Minor soreness at the implant site is expected and fades quickly.
- Our team provides detailed wound care instructions and schedules follow-up visits to optimize your device settings and monitor your progress.
Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
- Drug-free pain relief that reduces the need for opioid or other medications.
- Customized therapy for your pain pattern and comfort level.
- Minimally invasive with little downtime and reversible if needed.
- Improved function, sleep, and quality of life for many individuals living with stubborn nerve pain.
For more information or to see if peripheral nerve stimulation is right for you, contact us today. Our team is here to help you reclaim your comfort and mobility with the latest in pain management technologies.
