Minimally invasive electrical stimulation near a painful nerve to help reduce chronic nerve pain signals before they reach the brain. PNS is not right for every type of pain, and results vary.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) places a very thin electrode under the skin near a nerve that may be contributing to pain. The electrode delivers mild electrical impulses around the nerve, which may change or interrupt pain signals and make the pain feel less intense for some patients.
The goal is to improve comfort, function, and quality of life without relying only on oral medication. PNS does not involve major surgery; in many cases only a small incision or needle-based placement is needed, depending on the device and treatment plan.
PNS may be considered for selected patients with chronic nerve-related pain. Not all pain is nerve-related, so your provider will evaluate your symptoms, history, prior treatments, and diagnostic findings first.
Chronic knee pain that persists after knee replacement surgery.
Diabetic nerve pain affecting the feet.
Ongoing pain from an injured or irritated nerve.
Scar-related pain or pain after surgery, including hernia surgery.
Chronic shoulder, neck, or low back pain that is nerve-related.
Chronic pain that has not improved with medication, therapy, or injections.
Your provider will explain the specific process based on the device and treatment plan. In general, a thin electrode is placed near the targeted nerve using image guidance or careful anatomical placement, and you may receive local anesthetic to numb the area.
Once the electrode is positioned, stimulation settings can be adjusted to a comfortable level. Your care team will explain how to use the system, what sensations to expect, and how your progress will be monitored.
Patients often consider PNS when chronic pain has lasted months or years and has not improved enough with medication, therapy, injections, or other conservative options. By targeting the painful nerve more directly, it may help some patients improve daily function, movement, sleep, and comfort. Results vary, and as with any procedure there are possible risks such as temporary soreness, bleeding, bruising, infection, lead movement, stimulation discomfort, skin irritation, or a lack of meaningful relief.
At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, cancer pain management is approached with compassion, safety, and clear communication. Our team works to understand your pain source, current treatment plan, medication use, and quality-of-life goals, and discusses advanced options when appropriate to improve comfort while supporting your overall cancer care plan.
If you or a loved one is experiencing cancer-related pain, schedule a consultation with Kentuckiana Pain Specialists to discuss advanced pain management options. Call (502) 995-4004 today.
