Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive pain management treatment that uses mild electrical impulses to block pain signals from specific nerves.

In this procedure, a small wire (electrode) is placed near the targeted nerve, and a device sends controlled electrical signals to interrupt pain messages before they reach the brain.

Unlike spinal cord stimulation, PNS targets specific peripheral nerves, making it a highly focused and personalized treatment for chronic pain.

What Conditions Does This Treatment Help?

Peripheral nerve stimulation may be used to treat:

Chronic neuropathic (nerve) pain
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Post-surgical pain
Peripheral neuropathy (including diabetic neuropathy)
Occipital neuralgia and certain headaches
Post-traumatic nerve pain

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?

Chronic pain often occurs when nerves send abnormal or persistent pain signals.

A thin electrode is placed near the affected nerve
The device sends mild electrical impulses
These signals disrupt or “override” pain signals
The brain perceives less pain or a mild tingling sensation instead

This mechanism is based on neuromodulation, helping to retrain how the nervous system processes pain.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Evaluation of symptoms and prior treatments
Imaging or ultrasound guidance planning
A trial phase may be recommended

During the Procedure

Performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation
A thin wire (lead) is placed near the targeted nerve
The device is tested to ensure proper pain coverage
Procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes

Trial Phase

A temporary device is used for several days to weeks
Helps determine if the treatment provides significant relief

Permanent Placement

If successful, a longer-term system may be implanted or continued

Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Minimally invasive, no major surgery required
✔ Targets specific nerves for precise pain relief
✔ Reduces reliance on medications, including opioids
✔ Reversible and adjustable treatment
✔ Can provide long-lasting pain relief

Studies show many patients experience significant pain reduction and improved function.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate if you:

Have chronic nerve-related pain lasting 3+ months
Have localized pain in a specific nerve distribution
Have not improved with medications, injections, or therapy
Want a non-opioid, non-surgical treatment option

Candidates typically undergo a trial phase before permanent therapy.

Risks & Side Effects

Peripheral nerve stimulation is generally safe, but possible risks include:

Mild discomfort at the insertion site
Infection or bleeding (rare)
Lead movement or device issues
Temporary tingling or unusual sensations

Most side effects are temporary and manageable.

When Is This Treatment Recommended?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is typically recommended when:

Conservative treatments have failed
Pain is localized and nerve-related
Patients want to avoid surgery or long-term medications
Other interventional treatments have not provided lasting relief

👉 It is considered an advanced therapy in the pain treatment pathway (before or instead of major surgery)

Recovery & Results

Minimal downtime after the procedure
Trial results are evaluated within days to weeks
Long-term relief may last months to years depending on the condition
Device settings can be adjusted for optimal relief

Many patients experience improved quality of life and daily function.

FAQs

Is peripheral nerve stimulation painful?

The procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients experience only mild discomfort.

What does the stimulation feel like?

Patients may feel a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation instead of pain.

Is the treatment permanent?

Some systems are temporary, while others can be long-term depending on your condition.

How is it different from spinal cord stimulation?

PNS targets specific peripheral nerves, while spinal cord stimulation targets broader pain pathways.

Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management

Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.