What Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Peripheral nerves are located outside the brain and spinal cord. They include the following:

  • Motor nerves, which allow for muscle movement.
  • Sensory nerves, which register pain in the body.
  • Autonomic nerves, which control involuntary physiological processes, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can be used to treat chronic pain.

With PNS, a peripheral nerve stimulator is placed within your body next to the peripheral nerves that are causing the pain. The peripheral nerve stimulator implant sends out electrical pulses to those nerves, blocking the pain signals and essentially changing the way the brain perceives the pain.

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How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?

You will first need to schedule a consultation at the Advanced Relief Institute. There, you will discuss your issues with one of our highly trained team members, who will evaluate your conditions to make sure that peripheral nerve stimulation is the right choice for you. This evaluation will include ensuring you've tried other pain management options, including medication and physical therapy.

Once peripheral nerve stimulation is recommended, your treatment appointment will be scheduled. For the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic. The procedure takes less than an hour, and there is no downtime. Peripheral nerve stimulation uses mild electrical impulses to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. These electrical impulses are minor; some patients are unaware of them, whereas others may feel a mild tingling sensation. To place the peripheral nerve stimulation device, thin wires (known as leads) are placed beneath the skin very close to the affected pain nerves. These leads are connected to the micro implantable pulse generator (micro-IPG), and together, these devices can interrupt pain signals before they travel to the brain.

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Our Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Options

At Advanced Relief Institute, we offer a range of advanced peripheral nerve stimulation systems to cater to your specific pain management needs:

  • Nalu Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: This compact, rechargeable system is designed for long-term pain relief. It offers a customizable approach to targeting chronic pain with minimal invasiveness.
  • Stimwave: This wireless, flexible neurostimulator provides effective pain relief by delivering precise stimulation directly to the affected nerves without implanted batteries or lengthy surgical procedures.
  • Bioness StimRouter® PNS Systems: This minimally invasive neuromodulation device delivers targeted electrical pulses to peripheral nerves, helping to reduce chronic pain and improve your quality of life with a patient-centric design.

What Are the Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) offers several benefits for managing chronic pain, including the following:

  • Minimally Invasive: PNS is a less invasive alternative to surgical procedures involving only a small incision.
  • Outpatient Procedure: The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.
  • Reduced Pain and Discomfort: PNS can significantly reduce pain and discomfort, improving overall quality of life.
  • Reduced Reliance on Medication: By managing pain more effectively, PNS can decrease the need for pain medication.
  • No Battery Required: The devices use a rechargeable power source, eliminating the need for battery replacements through additional surgeries.
  • Adjustable and Reversible: The device can be adjusted or removed if necessary, providing flexibility in pain management.
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Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain Right for Me?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is not for everyone. However, suppose you have chronic pain coming from a specific peripheral nerve, and you have exhausted all other options, including over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, injections, and nerve blocks. In that case, peripheral nerve stimulation may be the answer for you.

It is important to note that peripheral nerve stimulation will not completely erase your pain. However, it may lessen the pain to a much more manageable level so that you can think about other things in your life.

Don't let chronic pain control you. Take the first step towards relief with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation by scheduling your consultation with the Advanced Relief Institute today.

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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) FAQ

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

What Can I Expect During the Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Procedure?

What Is the Recovery and Follow-Up Care Like After Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Compare to Other Pain Management Treatments?

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is considered safe, but it carries risks and potential side effects like any medical procedure. Common risks include infection at the implantation site, managed through standard infection control practices. Another potential issue is lead migration, where the device’s leads may shift from their intended position, possibly requiring adjustment or repositioning. Some patients might also experience discomfort or a tingling sensation due to the electrical impulses, though this varies among individuals. It’s important to discuss these risks with your provider to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

What Can I Expect During the Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Procedure?

You can expect a relatively quick and minimally invasive experience during the peripheral nerve stimulation procedure. The procedure begins with applying a local anesthetic to numb the area, followed by inserting thin wires or leads close to the affected nerves. Using imaging guidance, your physician will place these leads accurately and connect them to a small implantable pulse generator. The procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible, with many patients experiencing only minor discomfort or a mild tingling sensation from the electrical impulses. Overall, the procedure typically takes just a few minutes.

What Is the Recovery and Follow-Up Care Like After Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Recovery from peripheral nerve stimulation is generally straightforward. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a short period, though avoiding strenuous activities for a few days is advised to ensure proper healing. You may experience some mild soreness at the implantation site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and ice packs. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the stimulation and make any necessary adjustments. Your healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions on caring for the implantation site and managing discomfort.

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Compare to Other Pain Management Treatments?

Peripheral nerve stimulation offers a distinct advantage over other pain management treatments by being minimally invasive while providing targeted pain relief. Unlike more invasive surgical procedures, PNS involves only a small incision and is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Compared to medications, which can have systemic side effects and may lead to dependence, PNS provides localized relief with fewer overall side effects. Compared to more traditional approaches like physical therapy or injections, PNS can offer a complementary or alternative solution for patients who have not found adequate relief. Treatment choice depends on individual needs, and a thorough evaluation will help determine the most suitable option.

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