Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Specialist

aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics

Brian K. Rich, MD

Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician located in Wichita Falls, TX & Decatur, TX

If you regularly experience nerve pain due to peripheral neuropathy or a previous nerve injury, peripheral nerve stimulation can provide relief. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, interventional spine and pain management physician Brian Rich, MD, uses peripheral nerve stimulation to relieve nerve pain and reduce the need for surgery. To make an appointment at the practice in Decatur, Texas, or Lawton, Oklahoma, call the nearest office today or book online.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Q & A

What is peripheral nerve stimulation?

Peripheral nerve stimulation is an outpatient procedure that treats chronic nerve pain. Similar to a spinal cord stimulator, this treatment directs mild electrical currents at the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord. These electrical currents stop pain signals from reaching your brain, providing significant relief.

What conditions can benefit from peripheral nerve stimulation?

Dr. Rich uses peripheral nerve stimulation to treat various conditions, including:

Trigeminal neuropathic pain
Nerve injuries
Neck pain
Back pain
Post-surgical pain
Occipital neuralgia (i.e., headache syndromes)
Complex regional pain syndrome
Post amputation pain syndrome

You might also benefit from peripheral nerve stimulation if you have diabetes and/or peripheral neuropathy.

What does peripheral nerve stimulation involve?

Before recommending peripheral nerve stimulation, Dr. Rich reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms. Afterward, he conducts a physical exam and orders additional screening, including lab tests and diagnostic imaging.

If Dr. Rich determines your pain is due to nerve damage, he places a series of temporary electrodes along your spine. If the electrodes provide significant relief, he places a series of permanent electrodes.

To do that, Dr. Rich administers a local anesthetic and places a battery-powered nerve stimulator beneath your skin. The stimulator is connected to several electrodes that send mild currents to specific peripheral nerves. To ensure lasting treatment outcomes, Dr. Rich customizes your pulse settings to provide the highest level of pain relief.

Every month or so, you return to aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics for a checkup. At each visit, Dr. Rich asks about your symptoms and adjusts the electrical current as necessary.

Is peripheral nerve stimulation safe?

Yes. Peripheral nerve stimulation is safe and usually well-tolerated. In fact, pain management physicians have been using peripheral nerve stimulation for more than 50 years.

Adjusting to your battery-powered nerve stimulator may take a few days or weeks, but that’s perfectly normal. The most common side effects are pain and swelling at the insertion site. You can take over-the-counter pain medication or apply ice to the area. If the discomfort persists or it interferes with your ability to work or exercise, contact Dr. Rich right away.

To learn more about the benefits of peripheral nerve stimulation, make an appointment at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics by calling the nearest office or scheduling online today.

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