Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain: What You Should Know

Chronic pain can interfere with everyday activities, sleep, work, and mobility. When medications, physical therapy, injections, or other treatments do not provide enough relief, your pain specialist may discuss advanced treatment options.

One such option is peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain. This minimally invasive neuromodulation treatment is designed to target specific nerves that may be contributing to pain.

At Garden State Medical Center, our interventional pain management specialists evaluate each patient's condition to determine whether peripheral nerve stimulation may be an appropriate treatment option.

What Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) uses a small electrode placed near a targeted peripheral nerve. The device delivers controlled electrical stimulation that may influence how pain signals are transmitted and perceived.

Unlike a spinal cord stimulator, which targets nerves near the spinal cord, PNS focuses on a specific peripheral nerve associated with the patient's pain.

Certain PNS systems are designed for temporary implantation, while the treatment approach depends on the specific device, diagnosis, and individual patient.

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?

PNS is a targeted approach to pain management. Before treatment, your physician evaluates your symptoms and determines whether a particular peripheral nerve may be contributing to your pain.

The treatment generally involves:

1. Evaluation: Your physician reviews your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments.
2. Identifying the nerve: The appropriate peripheral nerve is identified as a potential treatment target.
3. Lead placement: A small lead is positioned near the targeted nerve, often using imaging guidance.
4. Stimulation: Controlled electrical impulses are delivered to the nerve.
5. Follow-up: Your response to treatment is monitored and managed as part of your overall pain care plan.

What Conditions May PNS Help Manage?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is not appropriate for every type of chronic pain. It may be considered for selected patients whose pain is localized or associated with a particular peripheral nerve.

Depending on the diagnosis and specific treatment system, PNS may be considered for certain cases of:

• Chronic nerve pain
• Neuropathic pain
• Localized shoulder pain
• Localized knee pain
• Certain post-surgical pain conditions
• Focal peripheral nerve pain

Your physician will determine whether PNS is appropriate based on the cause and characteristics of your pain.

Who May Be a Candidate for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

PNS may be considered when chronic pain continues despite appropriate conservative or interventional treatments.

Your doctor may evaluate:

• The location and type of your pain
• Whether a specific nerve is involved
• Previous treatments and their results
• How pain affects your daily activities
• Your overall medical history

Because PNS is a targeted treatment, identifying an appropriate nerve or treatment area is an important part of the evaluation.

PNS vs. Spinal Cord Stimulation

Both peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation are forms of neuromodulation, but they target different areas.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Targets a specific peripheral nerve associated with pain.

Spinal Cord Stimulation: Places leads near the spinal cord and may be used for certain chronic pain conditions involving larger or more widespread pain patterns.

The appropriate treatment depends on the individual's diagnosis, pain pattern, and treatment history.

Are There Risks With PNS?

As with any medical procedure, peripheral nerve stimulation has potential risks. These may include discomfort at the treatment site, bruising, infection, skin irritation, lead movement, device-related problems, or insufficient pain improvement.

Your physician will explain the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives before treatment.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in New Jersey

If you are searching for peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain in New Jersey, Garden State Medical Center provides personalized interventional pain management.

Our physicians evaluate chronic and nerve-related pain and develop treatment plans based on each patient's individual condition.

Garden State Medical Center serves patients throughout New Jersey, including Barnegat, Brick, Toms River, Manahawkin, Whiting, West Long Branch, and Freehold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is peripheral nerve stimulation the same as a spinal cord stimulator?

No. PNS targets a specific peripheral nerve, while spinal cord stimulation targets nerves near the spinal cord.

Can PNS cure chronic pain?

PNS is intended to help manage pain. It does not necessarily eliminate the underlying cause of chronic pain, and results vary between patients.

Can PNS be used for knee or shoulder pain?

It may be considered for selected cases of knee or shoulder pain when a peripheral nerve is an appropriate treatment target.

Is everyone with chronic pain a candidate for PNS?

No. A pain management specialist must evaluate your condition to determine whether peripheral nerve stimulation is appropriate.

Talk With a Pain Management Specialist

If chronic pain continues to affect your daily life despite other treatments, an evaluation with an interventional pain management specialist can help you understand your options.

Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain may be an option for appropriately selected patients.

Garden State Medical Center provides advanced pain management services throughout New Jersey. Contact our team to schedule an evaluation and discuss your treatment options.