Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS)

A Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS) is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment designed to manage chronic nerve pain by delivering gentle electrical impulses to a targeted nerve. This stimulation helps interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, offering significant pain relief without the need for major surgery or long-term opioid use.

PNS is an excellent option for patients whose pain has not responded to other therapies like medications, injections, or physical therapy.

Your provider may recommend PNS if you suffer from:

• Chronic nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Post-surgical pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Shoulder, knee, or back nerve pain
• Post-amputation (phantom limb) pain
• Occipital neuralgia (nerve pain in the head and neck)

PNS therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance your quality of life without the need for invasive surgeries.

PNS treatment is typically a two-step process:

Trial Phase:

• A temporary lead (small insulated wire) is placed near the targeted nerve using ultrasound or fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance.
• The lead is connected to an external stimulator worn outside the body.
• You will test the device for 5–7 days to assess how much pain relief you experience.

Implant Phase (if the trial is successful):

• A small, permanent stimulator (about the size of a paperclip) is implanted under the skin during a short outpatient procedure.
• The stimulator sends controlled electrical pulses directly to the affected nerve.
• You can adjust the stimulation settings easily using a wireless handheld remote.

• Most patients experience pain relief during the trial itself.
• After implantation, mild soreness around the incision site is normal and should improve within a few days.
• You will receive specific instructions on activity restrictions (such as avoiding heavy lifting) while the leads stabilize.
• Your provider will help you fine-tune the stimulation settings for maximum comfort.
• Many patients experience long-lasting pain relief and reduced need for pain medications after PNS implantation.

PNS therapy is generally very safe. However, potential risks include:

• Infection at the implant site (rare)
• Lead movement or breakage (rare and usually correctable)
• Temporary soreness after implantation
• Device malfunction (rare)
• No or limited pain relief (which is why a trial phase is important)

Our team follows strict protocols to minimize these risks and ensure your safety.

Patients choose Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we offer:

• Board-certified pain management specialists experienced in neuromodulation therapies
• Advanced, image-guided procedures for safe and effective device placement
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific pain condition
• Ongoing support and device management after implantation

We are committed to helping you find lasting relief from chronic nerve pain with the latest, minimally invasive technology.