Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Tiny Implants for Chronic Joint and Nerve Pain
Chronic pain driven by isolated peripheral nerves—such as shoulder pain following stroke or
surgery, persistent knee pain, or localized nerve entrapments—can significantly restrict
daily activity. When oral medications, joint injections, and physical adjustments fail to provide
lasting relief, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) offers a modern, minimally invasive treatment
option.
PNS places tiny, flexible micro-leads directly alongside targeted peripheral nerves outside the
spine to deliver localized electrical impulses that calm hyperactive pain pathways.
How Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Works
Unlike spinal cord stimulators that place leads inside the spinal canal, PNS targets individual
peripheral nerves directly at the pain source.
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Micro-Lead Placement: Using high-resolution ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, a pain specialist inserts a flexible wire lead through a small needle puncture next to the target peripheral nerve (such as the axillary, femoral, sciatic, or occipital nerve).
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Signal Interruption: The lead delivers low-amplitude electrical pulses that alter the nerve’s pain signaling. Instead of persistent aching or burning sensations, the brain receives non-painful signals.
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Temporary vs. Permanent Systems: Many modern PNS protocols utilize a 60-day temporary treatment period. Over 60 days of continuous stimulation, the target nerve undergoes central re-conditioning, often providing sustained pain relief long after the temporary lead is removed without requiring a permanent implant.
Conditions Commonly Treated by PNS
Peripheral nerve stimulation provides targeted relief across a wide spectrum of localized pain
conditions:
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Chronic Shoulder Pain: Post-stroke shoulder subluxation or persistent post-surgical shoulder pain.
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Post-Knee Replacement Pain: Persistent neuropathic discomfort surrounding the genicular nerves after joint surgery.
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Occipital Neuralgia: Chronic, shooting headaches along the back of the head.
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Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Pain: Refractory neuropathic pain following prior trauma or surgery in the limbs.
With quick outpatient placement and minimal downtime, PNS provides an effective non-opioid
solution for targeted nerve pain.
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Book Online: Visit igeaneuro.com to request a comprehensive diagnostic consultation with our pain management team.
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Call Our Team Today: Speak directly with our dedicated patient care coordinators at (866) 467-1770.
