Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Treatment Specialist in Rapid City, SD

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a cutting-edge treatment used primarily for managing chronic pain. Chronic pain is typically defined as pain that lasts for three months or longer, presenting either intermittently or constantly.

Chronic pain can severely impact all aspects of an individual’s health and wellness, often resulting in reduced ability to perform daily activities and diminished quality of life. PNS involves the placement of a small electrical device next to a peripheral nerve, which are nerves that are not located in the spinal cord or the brain.

This device delivers rapid electrical pulses that replace the pain sensation with a mild tingling, offering a less invasive alternative to some surgical interventions and a way to manage pain without reliance on opioids, which can be associated with significant side effects or misuse.

The success rate of peripheral nerve stimulators can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the patient’s health, the specific source of chronic pain, any supplemental treatments being undertaken, and the patient’s adherence to aftercare instructions.

On average, success rates have been reported to be up to 70%, with patients experiencing approximately a 50% reduction in pain or more. The initial success of PNS is often determined during a trial period where the electrode is temporarily connected to an external device.

If the trial is successful in helping patients achieve pain relief, a small generator is then implanted permanently into the body. This method offers considerable relief from various pain presentations and helps patients engage more actively in other aspects of their recovery, such as physical therapy and exercise, facilitating compounding benefits to health and wellness as a result.

Patient recovery will be monitored in collaboration with specialists at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic who will adjust treatment options and consider alternatives as is necessary to help patients achieve long-term pain relief. 

A peripheral nerve stimulator’s effectiveness and longevity can vary, but the device is designed to provide long-term pain relief and does so for many patients.

The internal batteries of these stimulators are built to last several years and are easily replaceable. During the trial period, which usually lasts three to five days, patients engage in activities that have previously been challenging due to pain to assess the stimulator’s effectiveness.

If the trial indicates significant pain relief, a permanent electrode and a battery-operated stimulator are implanted.

Patients must also carefully adhere to any aftercare instructions that are provided by specialists at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic which will be provided based on individual circumstances and health factors to manage their recovery.

This setup not only allows for adjustments in the electrical pulse settings to maximize pain relief but also provides a durable solution to chronic pain management.

The purpose of a peripheral nerve stimulator is to significantly mitigate chronic pain by blocking the nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain. This process helps patients achieve considerable and lasting relief from pain, which can greatly improve all aspects of their health and wellness.

By reducing pain, PNS allows patients to lead healthier and more active lifestyles, which are conducive to improved health outcomes. The treatment is particularly beneficial in cases where traditional medicines and therapies have been ineffective.

Throughout the treatment, patients are monitored by specialists at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, who adjust the device as needed to ensure optimal pain relief and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life.

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)  treatment is available at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic. For more information, contact us to book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Suite 301 Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, Sturgis SD, and surrounding areas.