Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive therapy used to treat specific types of chronic pain. It is a safe outpatient procedure capable of providing considerable relief to patients for whom conventional treatments and surgeries have proven ineffective.
PNS uses mild electrical impulses to block pain signals from various parts of your body before they get to your brain.Peripheral nerves extend beyond the brain and spinal cord to connect with our organs and extremities. With PNS, these nerves are targeted under ultrasound or X-ray guidance to deliver pain relief.
Pain Conditions Treated With PNS:
Persistent shoulder and knee pain (even post-surgery)
Chronic Back Pain
Post Surgical Groin Pain
Chronic Nerve Pain in Upper & Lower Extremities
How PNS Functions
During the procedure, a thin wire with small metal electrodes near its tip is inserted adjacent to the nerve causing the pain, guided by ultrasound or X-ray. These electrodes emit electrical pulses that disrupt the pain signals traveling to the brain, thereby altering pain perception. Your physician at Timothy Groth MD PC utilizes the Nalu micro-IPG (implantable pulse generator) to foster rapid healing and minimize scarring, a significant advancement over conventional IPGs, which can be substantially larger.
The battery and control system are discreetly housed within a compact Therapy Disc, worn externally in a comfortable holder positioned over the implanted IPG. The system includes two Therapy Discs, enabling seamless swapping for continuous use if desired. You can remove the Therapy Disc any time you don’t need active stimulation or want to wear a swimsuit or tight-fitting clothing.
Candidate Assessment Process for PNS Therapy
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Evaluation by a pain physician to assess suitability for PNS therapy based on the specific pain condition.
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Potential nerve block procedure with local anesthetic and/or steroid medication to gauge responsiveness to treating a particular nerve.
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Upon qualification for PNS therapy, temporary placement of a trial stimulator allows patients to “test drive” the therapy before considering permanent implantation.
If you suffer from chronic pain and are tired of treatments that give only temporary relief, PNS may be the solution. Schedule a consultation at Timothy Groth MD PC today.
Patient Testimonials
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How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Intracept®?The Intracept® Procedure is indicated for patients who have had: Chronic low back pain for at least six months, Who have tried conservative care for at least six months and whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation. The Intracept Procedure, as with any procedure, has risks that should be discussed between the patient and medical provider.
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How Long Does Pain Relief Last following the Intracept® Procedure?Most people start to feel pain relief within 2 weeks after the procedure. Clinical evidence demonstrates the majority of patients experience significant improvements in function and pain 3-months post procedure that are sustained more than 5 years after a single treatment.
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Is the Intracept® Procedure painful?Some patients experience 2-3 days of soreness after the procedure, but overall it is very well tolerated and most patients return to normal activities 24 hours later.
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What should I expect after the procedure?Most patients report at least 50% improvement of their chronic, vertebrogenic low back pain at 2 weeks after the procedure.
