Conditions & Treatments

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive treatment option for chronic pain that hasn't improved with other care. A thin lead is placed near a specific nerve outside the spinal cord. The lead sends mild electrical signals that can change the way pain messages travel to the brain, which may help reduce the pain you feel.

Because PNS targets the individual nerve connected to your pain, it can be a good fit for pain focused in one area, such as the low back, shoulder, or knee.

Conditions Peripheral Nerve Stimulation May Help Treat

Chronic low back pain
Chronic shoulder pain
Chronic knee pain, including ongoing pain after knee replacement
Pain after surgery or injury
Nerve pain in the arms or legs
Pain from nerve damage or entrapment

Your physician will review your diagnosis and treatment history to determine whether PNS may be appropriate for you.

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?

Peripheral nerve stimulation uses a small lead, about the width of a hair or thin wire, placed near the nerve causing your pain. The lead connects to a small stimulator that delivers gentle electrical pulses. Many patients describe the feeling as a mild tingling or pulsing sensation, and settings can be adjusted for your comfort.

Temporary vs. Permanent Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Spine & Orthopedic Center offers both temporary and permanent PNS options. Your physician will recommend the one that best fits your needs.

Temporary: A thin lead is placed under the skin during a quick outpatient procedure and connects to a small wearable stimulator. Treatment typically lasts several weeks, and then the lead is removed. No device stays in your body. For some patients, relief may continue after the treatment period ends.

Permanent: A small device is implanted near the targeted nerve for ongoing pain management. This option may be considered for patients with long-term pain, and it can often be tested first with a short trial.

Are You a Candidate for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

PNS may be an option if:

You have had chronic pain for several months or longer
Your pain is focused in a specific area or follows a specific nerve
Medication, physical therapy, injections, or other treatments have not provided enough relief
You would like to avoid or delay surgery, or are not a candidate for it

What to Expect During Your Procedure

PNS is performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients go home the same day. The skin is numbed, and your physician uses imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or X-ray, to place the lead near the targeted nerve.

With temporary PNS, the lead connects to a small stimulator worn on the body. With permanent PNS, the device is placed under the skin through a small incision. Your care team will program the device and show you how to use it.

Recovery

Most patients return to light activity within a day or two. You may be asked to limit certain movements for a short time so the lead stays in place. Your care team will give you specific instructions and schedule follow-up visits to check your progress.

Potential Risks

PNS is minimally invasive, but as with any procedure, there are some risks. These may include skin irritation, infection, bleeding, discomfort at the lead site, or lead movement that requires an adjustment. Your physician will review the risks and benefits with you before treatment.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Physicians

Peripheral nerve stimulation at Spine & Orthopedic Center is performed by fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Ashish Sahai and fellowship-trained pain management physician Dr. Kristy Fisher.

Related Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PNS and spinal cord stimulation? Spinal cord stimulation places leads near the spinal cord to help manage pain across larger areas. PNS targets a single nerve outside the spinal cord, which can make it a good fit for pain in one specific area.

Is the temporary option really temporary? Yes. With temporary PNS, the lead is removed after the treatment period, and no device stays in your body.

Will I feel the stimulation? Most patients feel a mild tingling or pulsing sensation. Your care team can adjust the settings for your comfort.

Can I go about my normal routine during treatment? Most patients can continue many daily activities. Your care team will let you know about any activities to avoid, such as swimming or bathing with a temporary device.

Will insurance cover peripheral nerve stimulation? Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help you check your coverage before treatment.

For specialized spine and orthopedic care in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and West Palm Beach, Florida, please call (561) 549-9090 or request an appointment online.