Exploring Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and the Trial Implant Process

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation is a therapy designed to alleviate chronic pain by using small electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals to the peripheral nerves. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide long-term relief for certain chronic pain conditions. This precise targeting allows Peripheral Nerve Stimulation to address the specific source of pain, thus making it an effective option for conditions that haven’t responded well to other treatments.

Chronic pain can drastically diminish a person’s quality of life, making it essential to explore advanced pain management options like Peripheral Nerve Stimulation. This innovative approach provides a hopeful alternative for those in search of lasting relief and improved pain control.

Peripheral nerves are an important aspect of the peripheral nervous system. This system connects to the nervous system which comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nerves branch out from the spinal cord to all other areas of the body like muscles, skin, and internal organs. These nerves transmit sensory information, like touch, pain, and motor signals that control muscle movements. Peripheral nerves are essential for everyday functions in our life.

Additionally, peripheral nerves are integral to the body’s pain response. This is because they are primary pathways that carry pain signals from the site of injury to the brain. When you experience a cut, burn, or injury, the peripheral nerves detect the harmful stimuli and then send electrical signals to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as pain. When a nerve is damaged or overly sensitive, this process can be disruptive. This can cause chronic pain even in the absence of injury.

Often referred to as neuropathic pain, peripheral nerve pain is caused by a variety of conditions. One such condition many people have heard of is called neuropathy. This disorder results from damaged nerves that lead to pain, tingling, and numbness of the hands and feet. Persistent nerve pain can also be the result of nerve injuries sustained in trauma or surgery. Chronic diseases can also bring about nerve pain. Diabetes, shingles, and autoimmune disorders can all affect nerves and cause chronic pain. Many patients have to find ways to manage the condition and the pain on top of it all.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation is designed to offer patients relief by targeting very specific nerves. For this procedure, small electrodes are placed inside the patient near the nerves that are transmitting pain signals. Attached to the electrodes is a battery-powered stimulator that sends mild electrical pulses to the nerves on command. This technology is boldly precise as the electronic signals are meant to block pain signals going to the brain. The goal is to reduce and even eliminate the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. This can offer significant relief when there might have been none otherwise.

After reviewing the Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure, you might wonder how it is determined which nerves are causing problems. This is where the trial implant process comes into play. Patients will have electrodes inserted into the peripheral nerves that are assumed to be causing the pain. Then, stimulation of the nerves will be tested and adjusted to determine how to best reduce or eliminate the pain. Keep in mind that this process can take a few weeks. Sometimes patients require different implantation sites to fully pinpoint the nerves causing issues.

In order to determine if you are a good candidate for the Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure, you would need to be evaluated by a doctor. Luckily in Phoenix, Summa Pain Care can address all of your chronic pain needs. The Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure is something offered to many patients who are suffering from chronic nerve pain. The top candidates for this procedure typically include those who have localized pain to one area. Additionally, your overall health, weight and other conditions will be assessed. A trial period will be done to ensure that this is the best route for your pain management.

There is always a risk to consider with any procedure and the Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure is no different. Some patients experience infection at the implant site, discomfort from the electrodes and the possibility of stimulating other nerves that are not causing pain. The device itself can also malfunction and technical issues might arise.

In order to best combat any issues with the procedure or device, it is best to communicate fully with your practitioner. You will want to attend regular check-ins and adjust your therapy accordingly.

The Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure is a wonderful advancement in technology to treat chronic pain that stems from nerves. It is best to follow the advice of your practitioner when determining if this is the right route for your pain. Following a trial process will give you great insight to the viability of this treatment for your condition. It is not a risk-free procedure, but the benefits could be outstanding.