The struggle with chronic pain can feel like a never-ending cycle. Pain from chronic conditions like arthritis can derail your day and have a negative impact on the way you feel, not to mention your ability to function in day-to-day life.
Pain medications are part of the conventional approach to managing pain, but they can have side effects. However, advances in medical technology offer additional treatment options.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a treatment that offers a promising solution for patients living with chronic pain. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, Dr. Brian Rich is dedicated to providing top-quality, comprehensive pain management services.
If you’re dealing with pain that has failed to respond to conventional treatment, it may be time to consider other options such as peripheral nerve stimulation.
Peripheral nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small device to deliver low-voltage electrical currents directly to the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that send pain signals to the brain.
By targeting these specific nerves, PNS disrupts the pain signals which reduces pain. The device, which is implanted through a simple procedure, consists of a small electrode placed near the peripheral nerve and a generator that delivers the electrical impulses.
Targeted pain relief is a major advantage of PNS. Unlike pain medications that affect the entire body, PNS focuses on the specific nerves involved in the pain pathway. This targeted approach not only makes it more effective but also minimizes the side effects often linked with pain medications.
PNS devices are highly customizable. Patients can control the intensity of the electrical impulses, adjusting them according to their pain levels. This flexibility allows for a personalized pain management approach, adapting to different pain intensities and types as needed. This helps ensure that you receive the right amount of pain relief when you need it.
For patients seeking an alternative to long-term medications, PNS offers an effective solution. It may lower the need for pain medications, including opioids, which carry the risk of dependence. PNS provides a non-drug approach to pain management, making it a valuable option for patients who prefer to avoid or cannot tolerate certain medications.
Chronic pain can hinder daily activities, making it difficult to fully enjoy life. PNS can significantly reduce pain levels and enhance overall quality of life. Patients have reported an improvement in mobility and sleep as well as a boost in functioning. This improvement in pain management can also lead to a reduction in the psychological impact of chronic pain, such as depression and anxiety.
PNS is a safe treatment option with minimal risks. The procedure to implant the device is minimally invasive and reversible. If you decide to discontinue the therapy or opt for a different treatment in the future, you have the option to turn off or remove the device. This reversibility offers peace of mind if you’re apprehensive about undergoing a permanent procedure.
Peripheral nerve stimulation represents a major advancement in pain management. For many, PNS has been a turning point, offering a newfound sense of control over pain and a path back to a more active and fulfilling life.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, consider consulting with Dr. Rich about whether peripheral nerve stimulation could be the key to managing your pain. Contact us at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics today to request an appointment at one of our offices in Lawton, Oklahoma, or Decatur, Texas.
