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Did you know there are innovative, minimally invasive options for managing chronic pain? One such treatment is called peripheral nerve stimulation, or PNS. It works by delivering gentle electrical pulses to specific nerves, helping to block pain signals before they reach the brain. PNS is often used to treat nerve pain in the back, neck, shoulder, leg, or even post-surgical pain. For many patients, it can significantly reduce pain without the need for long-term medication. At Alliance Spine and Pain Centers in Austell, Augusta, Woodstock, Atlanta, Marietta, Conyers, Lawrenceville, Jasper, Cartersville, Dallas, Suwanee, Covington, Carrollton, Canton, Sandy Springs, Douglasville, Peachtree City, or Roswell, Georgia, their skilled team provides PNS to help you lead a pain-free life. To determine if you’re a candidate, call the office or request an appointment online today.
What is peripheral nerve stimulation?
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an implanted device that relieves pain by delivering mild electrical pulses to disrupt the signals sent from specific nerves.
These electrical impulses interrupt pain signals on the way to your brain, making this treatment particularly effective at managing nerve-related pain conditions like:
- Neuropathic pain disorders like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Chronic pain conditions
- Musculoskeletal pain
If you struggle with back, neck, shoulder, leg, or post-surgical pain, PNS may provide relief without the need for long-term medication. If other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, haven’t worked for you, talk to the Alliance Spine and Pain Centers team about PNS.
Why is peripheral nerve stimulation effective?
Electrical stimulation can change the signals your brain processes.
Pain is just one of the sensations that your peripheral nervous system transmits to the brain, and when the PNS device delivers controlled electrical pulses to a particular nerve, it replaces pain signals with a different sensation.
Instead of debilitating chronic pain, you may feel gentle tingling or no sensation at all.
What can I expect if I pursue peripheral nerve stimulation treatment?
There are two main stages to PNS treatment.
You’ll start with a trial phase. If the trial goes well, you move on to a permanent implantation phase. This enables the Alliance Spine and Pain Centers team to ensure you’re a good candidate for longer-term nerve stimulation.
Trial phase
The trial phase is short-term and reversible. It assesses whether PNS works for you.
The team temporarily places a tiny, flexible electrode near the nerve or group of nerves you need to target. The electrode connects to an external pulse generator, which transmits electrical impulses to the nerve.
The placement procedure is minimally invasive, and local anesthesia keeps you comfortable. Your trial will typically last 5-7 days. The team can adjust the level of stimulation to find what’s most effective for you.
Permanent implantation phase
If you have a successful trial, implanting a permanent electrode comes next. Instead of the temporary electrodes of a trial PNS, a permanent PNS device uses surgically implanted permanent leads.
What can I expect after peripheral nerve stimulation implantation?
You can go home after your implantation. Try to take it easy for a few days or weeks while you adjust and heal. Adjust the PNS settings to meet your pain management needs.
PNS is an adjustable pain relief solution that doesn’t require extensive surgery. To schedule a consultation, call Alliance Spine and Pain Centers or request an appointment online today.