Chronic pain sufferers may need to try a few different treatment options before locating the one that works best for them. This type of intractable pain can make every day an unenjoyable one where relief seems difficult to achieve. Fortunately, there are options when it comes to alleviating chronic, intractable pain that has a peripheral nerve origin. One option that may be worth exploring as a treatment method is peripheral nerve stimulation. Peripheral nerve stimulation is a treatment method that uses electrical pulses to target specific peripheral nerves and manage chronic pain. Here are some details about peripheral nerve stimulation, how it can treat chronic pain, and the steps involved in this treatment method.
What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
Peripheral nerve stimulation helps with various types of nerve pain, especially if the patients haven’t responded well to conventional treatments. This minimally invasive treatment method can provide pain relief through the use of electrical pulses directed at the nerves where treatment is needed. Peripheral nerve stimulation helps with various conditions, including chronic pain, headaches and migraines, neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome. A small medical device is placed next to a peripheral nerve and then rapid electrical pulses are delivered to this area. The electrical sensations will replace the pain areas.
How Does This Treatment Method Help With Chronic Pain?
When chronic pain sufferers want to try a more advanced treatment for their long lasting medical conditions, peripheral nerve stimulation may help. The treatment will target the nerves that are at issue with the chronic pain, such as those in your shoulders, lower back, knees, or ankles, and disrupt the pain signals that go to the brain. This is done by using electrical pulses to interrupt these pain signals which will ultimately reduce the discomfort. Peripheral nerve stimulation can help to lower both the intensity and frequency of chronic pain. No one should have to suffer from this intractable pain and patients may want to try peripheral nerve stimulation as a way to combat this issue.
What Are the Steps of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
There are a few common steps in peripheral nerve stimulation treatment. During the treatment, a small electrode will be implanted at the area of the specific peripheral nerve the procedure is targeting. This electrode is connected to a generator that is battery-powered. The generator will send mild electrical pulses to the electrode where it is attached to the nerve. The pulses will interrupt the pain signals, thereby reducing the patient’s discomfort. This minimally invasive procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and may take less than an hour. Recovery from peripheral nerve stimulation takes just a few days and positive results often occur in a fast manner once the treatment occurs.
Is This the Right Treatment for My Chronic Pain?
You may be considering peripheral nerve stimulation and wondering if this is the right treatment for your chronic, intractable pain. Before you make an appointment to have a peripheral nerve stimulation treatment, consider the following factors:
- Have you tried medications and conventional therapies and they haven’t worked well?
- Is the pain localized in a specific area?
- Is your pain related to some type of peripheral nerve issue?
- Have you discussed the benefits and limitations of peripheral nerve stimulation with a pain specialist?
- Are you a candidate for peripheral nerve stimulation?
By considering all of these factors, you can make an informed decision as to whether peripheral nerve stimulation is a good option to treat your constant pain and discomfort. Your medical health professional will outline the finer details of this type of treatment and answer any questions you may have about peripheral nerve stimulation.
Eclipse Clinic Can Help You Find Chronic Pain Relief
If you’re ready to explore peripheral nerve stimulation treatment options, Eclipse Clinic can answer your questions and provide you with more details regarding this potential treatment for the constant pain and discomfort you experience in the various areas of your body. If you have pain in your knee, shoulder, ankle, lower back, or any other area of the body that is of a peripheral nerve origin, the peripheral nerve stimulation treatment may help provide you with the relief you seek.
Contact our team today to get started finding a solution for your chronic peripheral nerve pain.