Targeted electrical stimulation delivered directly alongside a specific peripheral nerve — providing meaningful relief for post-surgical nerve pain, occipital neuralgia, chronic knee pain, and other focal neuropathic pain conditions without major surgery.
Candidacy
Who This May Help
PNS may be an option if you have chronic pain that follows the distribution of a specific peripheral nerve — such as persistent burning or aching pain after surgery, nerve pain at the base of the skull from occipital neuralgia, chronic knee pain from genicular nerve involvement, or intercostal nerve pain in the chest wall. It is most appropriate when the pain is clearly focal rather than widespread, and when other treatments including medications, injections, and physical therapy have not provided adequate relief.
A consultation with our clinical team will determine whether you are a candidate.
Procedure Overview
How Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Works
PNS works by placing a small electrode lead alongside the specific nerve generating the pain. The lead delivers gentle electrical signals that modify pain transmission before the signal reaches the brain — similar in principle to spinal cord stimulation, but targeted at a single peripheral nerve rather than the spinal cord. A trial period using a temporary lead placed via needle — no incision required — allows patients to evaluate their response before any longer-term decision is made.
We use the Sprint and Nalu peripheral nerve stimulation systems, which offer both temporary and longer-term options depending on the clinical situation. All procedures are same-day outpatient.
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Recovery & Results
What to Expect After the Procedure
The trial lead is placed via needle with no incision required — most patients return to normal light activity the same day with minimal soreness. During the trial period patients use an external device to control stimulation and assess their response. If the trial confirms meaningful benefit, a longer-term system can be placed through a small incision in a subsequent procedure.
Most patients notice the effects of stimulation during the trial itself — often experiencing their first significant relief within the first few days. Long-term outcomes depend on the underlying condition and individual patient response, and are discussed in detail at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive procedure that places a small electrode lead alongside a specific peripheral nerve to deliver gentle electrical signals that interrupt chronic pain transmission. It is used for focal neuropathic pain conditions where the pain originates from a specific, identifiable nerve.
Spinal cord stimulation targets the spinal cord to modulate pain signals from larger regions of the body. Peripheral nerve stimulation targets a specific peripheral nerve outside the spine — making it more appropriate for focal pain conditions affecting a defined area or distribution. Both use electrical stimulation to interrupt pain signals, but PNS is more targeted and may be more appropriate when the pain is clearly coming from a single nerve.
PNS is used for a range of focal neuropathic pain conditions including post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve pain, occipital neuralgia and chronic headaches, genicular nerve pain and chronic knee pain, intercostal nerve pain, pelvic nerve pain, phantom limb pain, and cancer-related focal nerve pain. A trial period is used to confirm that stimulation provides meaningful relief before any permanent decision is made.
Yes. A temporary trial lead is placed first, allowing patients to experience the effects of stimulation for a period of days to weeks before deciding whether to proceed with a longer-term system. The trial lead is placed via a needle — no incision is required. If the trial is successful, a longer-term system can be implanted.
We use the Sprint and Nalu peripheral nerve stimulation systems, which offer both temporary and longer-term options for appropriately selected patients. The right system for each patient depends on the nerve being targeted, the duration of treatment planned, and the individual clinical situation.
PNS trial leads are placed via a needle with no incision required — most patients experience minimal recovery time and can return to normal light activity the same day. If a longer-term implant is placed, recovery involves a small incision and typically one to two weeks before resuming unrestricted activity. Most patients notice the effects of stimulation during the trial period itself.
Schedule a Consultation
A consultation is the right starting point. Our clinical team will evaluate your pain distribution and history to determine whether peripheral nerve stimulation is an appropriate option.
