What Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Treatment?

Peripheral nerve stimulation, also known as PNS, is an advanced and effective treatment designed to alleviate chronic pain by targeting specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This minimally invasive procedure offers hope to individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions who have not responded well to traditional treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or surgery. At Greater Austin Pain Center, we are proud to offer peripheral nerve stimulation as part of our comprehensive pain management solutions.

Understanding Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)

Peripheral nerve stimulation involves the placement of small, electrical leads near the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for carrying sensory information, including pain, from the body to the brain. By delivering mild electrical pulses to these nerves, PNS helps to disrupt the pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing or even eliminating the sensation of pain. This treatment is typically used for chronic pain affecting specific areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, shoulders, or lower back.

What Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Treat?

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is a highly effective treatment for managing various forms of chronic pain, particularly when conventional treatments such as medications, injections, physical therapy, or surgery have failed. This therapy targets specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life. Here’s a detailed look at the types of pain conditions that PNS can treat:

Neuropathic Pain & Nerve Injuries

Neuropathic pain, or nerve pain, occurs when nerves are damaged or malfunctioning, often resulting in persistent pain, tingling, or burning sensations. Nerve injuries can occur due to trauma, surgery, or other medical conditions, and they often lead to long-term discomfort that is difficult to manage with traditional methods. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation works by directly targeting the affected nerves, interrupting the pain signals, and providing relief from debilitating neuropathic pain.

Hip Pain

Chronic hip pain can arise from nerve entrapment, injuries, or conditions like bursitis or arthritis. It can limit mobility and make daily activities such as walking or sitting painful. PNS can be a powerful option for addressing hip pain when conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications have not provided sufficient relief. By targeting the specific nerves causing the pain, PNS helps patients regain mobility and reduce their dependence on pain medications.

Back Pain

Back pain, particularly in the lower back (lumbar region), is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. When related to nerve dysfunction or injuries, such as sciatica or pinched nerves, the pain can radiate down the legs and make everyday movements excruciating. PNS can help manage chronic back pain by delivering electrical stimulation to the nerves responsible for the discomfort, offering a non-surgical solution that can provide long-lasting relief.

Leg Pain

Chronic leg pain, often caused by conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression, or injury, can make standing, walking, and even resting uncomfortable. PNS targets the nerves that are causing pain in the legs and feet, helping to alleviate symptoms like burning, tingling, and numbness. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not responded well to traditional pain management techniques.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can result from a variety of causes, including nerve irritation, rotator cuff injuries, or surgery. Persistent shoulder pain can limit arm movement and affect your ability to perform simple tasks. PNS offers a targeted approach to managing shoulder pain by stimulating the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, helping patients regain function and reduce pain levels.

Wrist Pain

Chronic wrist pain is often linked to nerve damage or repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This type of pain can affect your ability to perform basic tasks like typing, lifting, or gripping objects. PNS can help manage wrist pain by targeting the irritated nerves, reducing inflammation and pain, and allowing patients to regain function in their hands and wrists.

How Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Helps

By directly targeting the peripheral nerves involved in these pain conditions, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation works to block or alter the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This results in significant pain reduction and improved function, often allowing patients to decrease or eliminate the use of pain medications. PNS is minimally invasive and offers a customizable solution tailored to each patient’s specific pain profile, providing both immediate and long-term relief for a wide range of chronic pain conditions.

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?

The goal of peripheral nerve stimulation is to interrupt the pain signals traveling from the affected nerve to the brain. The process typically follows these steps.

Consultation and Evaluation

Before PNS treatment, patients will undergo a thorough consultation with a pain specialist at Greater Austin Pain Center. The doctor will assess your medical history, current pain levels, and previous treatments to determine if PNS is the right option for you.

Trial Phase

A temporary lead (a thin wire-like device) is implanted near the targeted nerve to test how well PNS reduces your pain. This trial phase typically lasts several days to a week. During this period, patients can evaluate how much pain relief they experience and decide whether they want to move forward with the permanent implant.

Permanent Implantation

If the trial is successful, a thin wire with small metal electrodes is implanted under the skin. The electrodes are placed near the peripheral nerves to deliver mild electrical impulses to modify the way the nerve transmits pain signals. The stimulation level can be adjusted to meet the patient’s needs and comfort level.

Ongoing Adjustments and Follow-Up

After the permanent implantation, the patient can control the level of stimulation via an external rechargeable transmitter. Regular follow-up appointments with your pain and clinical specialist ensure that the treatment continues to provide optimal pain relief.

Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation offers several benefits for individuals suffering from chronic pain:

• Minimally Invasive: PNS is a minimally invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time compared to more invasive surgeries. Most patients can resume normal activities soon after the procedure.
• Effective Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant reductions in pain, allowing them to reduce or eliminate their reliance on pain medications.
• Customizable Treatment: The level of stimulation can be adjusted to suit the patient’s pain level and activity, making it a flexible and personalized pain management option.
• Targeted Treatment: PNS focuses on the specific nerves causing pain, making it a highly targeted approach to pain relief.
• Improved Quality of Life: By reducing chronic pain, PNS helps patients return to their regular activities, improving both physical and emotional well-being.

Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Right for You?

If you have been suffering from chronic pain and have not found relief through traditional treatments, peripheral nerve stimulation may be an ideal solution. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced limited success with medications, physical therapy, or other interventions. During your consultation at Greater Austin Pain Center, our specialists will evaluate your condition, discuss your pain management goals, and determine whether PNS is the right treatment for you.

For Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in San Marcos, TX, and the Surrounding Areas, Trust Greater Austin Pain Center

Peripheral nerve stimulation in San Marcos, TX, is an innovative and effective treatment option for individuals dealing with chronic pain. By targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, PNS can significantly reduce pain and improve a patient’s quality of life. If you’re struggling with chronic pain and are seeking long-lasting relief, schedule an appointment at our San Marcos office today.