Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Chronic nerve pain can be difficult to manage and often resists traditional treatments such as medication or physical therapy. Left untreated, it can interfere with your daily activities, mobility, and quality of life. The team of pain management specialists at Anchor Spine & Joint offers innovative solutions like peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to target nerve-related pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. With convenient locations in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, and Lutz, Florida, help is just a phone call away. Reach out to schedule an appointment or book online at your convenience.

What is peripheral nerve stimulation?

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an FDA-approved, noninvasive, advanced treatment for chronic pain that hasn’t improved with other strategies or therapies. Your provider at Anchor Spine & Joint places a small medical device near one of the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord, called the peripheral nerve. 

The device emits gentle electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. By targeting the nerves directly, PNS can significantly relieve pain that’s had you sidelined.

What conditions can peripheral nerve stimulation treat?

PNS is often recommended for patients with nerve-related or musculoskeletal pain that persists despite other interventions. It can be beneficial for a range of chronic conditions, including:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Post-surgical nerve pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Peripheral neuropathy-related pain
• Migraines
• Chronic pain
• Post-herpetic neuralgia

PNS is especially valuable if you haven’t had success with medications, physical therapy, or injections. By targeting specific nerves, the therapy can help reduce the need for ongoing medication use and can restore mobility and function that the chronic pain has limited. Once nerve pain is controlled, you can return to the activities you enjoy.

What can I expect during peripheral nerve stimulation?

Anchor Spine & Joint uses a minimally invasive approach to perform PNS. 

Your provider places a thin wire called a lead near the affected peripheral nerve. The device delivers mild electrical pulses, which you’ll perceive as a light tingling sensation. Soon after the device is activated, you’ll begin to feel relief.

The process generally involves two steps:

1. Trial period: your provider places a temporary system for 3-7 days to see if it works and if you experience any adverse side effects
2. Permanent implant: if the trial is successful, your provider implants the device for long-term use

Follow-up care at Anchor Spine & Joint ensures the device is working correctly, and your provider can make adjustments to maximize the benefits. You’ll be able to resume your routine with minimal downtime.

To learn more about how PNS works to relieve ongoing nerve pain and if you’re a candidate, call the office closest to you to schedule a consultation, or book online any time.