In our Ask the Experts section of the FirstHealth Magazine, we spoke with Stephen Music, D.O., about peripheral nerve stimulation and how FirstHealth providers can use it to help patients with several chronic pain conditions.
What is peripheral nerve stimulation?
Dr. Music: Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive treatment for pain that involves placing a thin percutaneous electrical wire near a peripheral nerve to alleviate chronic or intractable pain through the delivery of an electrical current via an external or implanted pulse generator (battery). The technique targets a specific nerve, which corresponds to an area of the body.
The PNS device delivers adjustable rapid electrical pulses that can feel like mild tingling. These impulses block or modify the transmission of pain signals from the affected nerve(s) to the brain.
Importantly, while also potentially reducing pain, PNS can improve one’s functional capabilities and reduce reliance on pain medications. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, is reversible, typically well‑tolerated and can be customized to the patient’s needs.
What kind of conditions can it provide relief for?
Dr. Music: PNS is used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), phantom and residual limb pain, low back pain, osteoarthritic-related pain, headaches, facial pain, and acute and chronic post‑surgical pain (such as residual limb pain following a replaced joint like the knee or hip).
What type of patients are the best candidates?
Dr. Music: The best candidates for PNS are patients with chronic pain localized to one or two discrete peripheral nerve distributions who have failed conservative therapies. Ideal candidates include those with neuropathic pain from specific etiologies such as post-traumatic or post-surgical neuralgia, CRPS, phantom limb pain and occipital neuralgia.
PNS also offers key advantages for patients with complex spine anatomy, prior spinal surgery or fusion or an inability to discontinue anticoagulation.
What type of providers do it?
Dr. Music: Interventional pain medicine physicians most commonly perform peripheral nerve stimulation procedures, particularly using minimally invasive percutaneous techniques with ultrasound and/or X‑ray guidance. All pain physicians at FirstHealth utilize PNS as a treatment option.
FirstHealth Interventional Pain Medicine
FirstHealth Interventional Pain Medicine works with chronic pain sufferers to manage and treat conditions with a wide range of pain relief options, including the newest and most advanced treatments. Our goal is to help patients return to their everyday activities and hobbies with minimal to no pain. Established in 1995, we are the longest-standing practice of pain management specialists in the Sandhills. Our team includes seven anesthesiologists and five advanced practice providers.
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