What is Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)?
Shoulder pain is a common problem that can significantly impact a person's life. From everyday tasks like reaching for items on a high shelf to participating in physical activities, chronic shoulder pain can make the simplest activities challenging. For many individuals, traditional treatments such as pain medications and physical therapy may not provide adequate relief. When this happens, a peripheral nerve stimulator could be a good option for helping with chronic shoulder pain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves implanting a small device near the affected nerve to deliver electrical pulses that block pain signals. This treatment has been shown to effectively reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic shoulder pain that has not responded to different treatments.
A key benefit of PNS is that it targets the source of the pain directly, providing pain relief without needing high doses of pain medications that can have side effects. Additionally, PNS can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to increase pain relief, making it a personalized and effective treatment option. PNS can also be removed if a patient does not wish for the treatment anymore. This makes it a low-risk treatment instead of having to commit to a permanent procedure.
While peripheral nerve stimulation is not appropriate for everyone with chronic shoulder pain, it can be a valuable tool for those who have not found relief with other treatments. If you are considering PNS for chronic shoulder pain, it is important to talk with a healthcare provider who has experience with this procedure to decide if it is the right option for you.
