Peripheral Nerve Stimulator
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West Texas Pain Institute
Pain Management Physicians located in El Paso, TX
If you’ve been searching for a chronic pain solution without success, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) might be the breakthrough you need. Raul Lopez, MD, offers peripheral nerve stimulator treatment at West Texas Pain Institute in El Paso, Texas. To learn more about how this innovative solution can combat chronic and nerve-related pain, call the practice or schedule an appointment online today.
What does a peripheral nerve stimulator do?
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) administers mild electrical pulses to specific peripheral nerves. These electrical impulses interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain, so PNS is particularly effective in treating nerve-related pain.
It provides relief in cases when spinal cord stimulation isn’t a good option, and can help people struggling with:
- Chronic pain conditions
- Nerve-related pain, like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Musculoskeletal pain
If other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, haven’t done the trick, PNS could be the next step worth exploring.
How does a peripheral nerve stimulator work?
Your peripheral nervous system sends pain signals to your brain. With PNS, small electrical pulses are delivered to specific nerves to block or change the way those signals are processed. The result is less pain, and more relief.
What’s the peripheral nerve stimulator treatment process like?
PNS treatment requires two main stages:
Trial phase
Think of this as a test run. Dr. Lopez places a tiny, flexible electrode near the nerve that’s causing trouble. It connects to an external pulse generator that sends the electrical pulses.
This part is minimally invasive and done under local anesthesia, so you’ll be comfortable throughout. The trial usually lasts about 3-5 days, and Dr. Lopez can tweak the settings to see what works best for you.
Permanent implantation
If the trial goes well and you’ve had good results, the next step is placing the permanent system. A small electrode is implanted under the skin — commonly in the buttocks, abdomen, or chest. It’s designed to be long-term, but you’ll still be in control of the settings with a wireless device.
What happens after the peripheral nerve stimulator implantation?
You’ll need to take it easy for a few weeks while your body adjusts and heals. Over time, you can manage the stimulation levels on your own, and the team at West Texas Pain Institute will be with you every step of the way.
The battery in the pulse generator will eventually need to be replaced, and Dr. Lopez schedules follow-ups to make sure everything’s working well.
PNS gives you real relief without invasive surgery or a long recovery. Learn more today — call West Texas Pain Institute or book an appointment online to start feeling like yourself again.
