Pros and Cons of Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a type of pain management technique that involves placing electrodes on the surface of a nerve or a group of nerves. These electrodes then deliver a mild electrical current that interrupts the pain signals traveling from the nerve to the brain. PNS has been shown to be effective in managing various types of chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, and neuropathic pain.

At Peak Spine & Sports Medicine, we offer PNS as a treatment option for patients who suffer from chronic pain that has not been effectively managed with other treatments.

Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

PNS has several benefits for patients who suffer from chronic pain. These benefits include:

1. Effective Pain Relief: PNS has been shown to be effective in managing various types of chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, and neuropathic pain.
2. Non-Invasive Treatment: PNS is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery or the use of opioid medications.
3. Reduced Side Effects: Because PNS does not involve the use of opioid medications, it has fewer side effects than other pain management treatments.
4. Customizable Treatment: PNS treatment can be customized to each patient's specific needs, allowing for optimal pain relief.
5. Improved Quality of Life: PNS can improve a patient's quality of life by reducing chronic pain, improving sleep, and increasing mobility.

Potential Downsides of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

While PNS is generally considered safe, there are some potential downsides to this treatment option. These downsides include:

1. Risk of Infection: Any surgical procedure comes with the risk of infection, which can be a potential complication of PNS.
2. Expense: PNS can be an expensive treatment option, and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

Overall, peripheral nerve stimulation can be an effective treatment option for patients who suffer from chronic pain. While there are potential downsides to this treatment, it may be a viable option for those who have not found relief with other pain management techniques.

Sources:

1. Deer, T. R., et al. (2017). The Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee on Best Practices for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation. Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, 20(3), 254-267.
2. Deer, T. R., et al. (2019). Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial Comparing the Safety and Effectiveness of Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation with Corticosteroid Injection in the Management of Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis. Pain Medicine, 20(5), 949-959.
3. Kunnumpurath, S., Srinivasagopalan, R., Vadivelu, N., & Kaye, A. D. (2017). Chronic pain and depression: A review. The Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, 63(4), 237-241.