Paincare Florida

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS)

Pain Treatment Procedure

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS)

A peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) is a small, implantable device that uses gentle electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. It works by targeting a specific nerve in your body—usually one that’s been damaged or irritated—offering more localized pain relief than spinal cord stimulation.[1]
The term “genicular” means “relating to the knee”.[1] There is a collection of genicular or knee nerves that are called superior medial, inferior medial, inferior lateral and superior lateral.[1] If any of them are damaged or irritated, you’ll experience knee pain, but a genicular nerve block (GNB) can help alleviate this.

Peripheral nerve stimulators have been around since the early 1800s, but have since been recommended for patients with chronic pain conditions that haven’t improved with medications, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments.[2]

Chronic Pain Conditions Treated with Peripheral Nerve Stimulators

Peripheral nerve stimulators can treat pain throughout your body, but are most often used for:

  • Chronic neuropathic pain [3]
  • Chronic back pain [3]
  • Pinched nerves [1]
  • Post-surgical pain [4]
  • Post-traumatic pain [4]
  • Facial or head pain (occipital nerves) [4]
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) [4]
  • Phantom limb pain [4]
  • Chronic migraines or headaches

How a PNS Device Works

The stimulator nerve system includes a hair-thin wire (called a lead) placed near the nerve causing pain, and a small pulse generator, which can be implanted under the skin or worn externally, depending on the type.[3] The generator sends mild electrical impulses to stop the pain signals from reaching your brain, which tells it you are hurting. You can control the device using a handheld remote or smartphone app, allowing you to adjust settings for optimal comfort. [3]

Today’s PNS systems are wireless, minimally invasive, and designed for daily use with minimal disruption to your routine.[5]

What to Expect During Your PNS Trial and Implantation

Treatment with a peripheral nerve stimulator typically starts with a trial period. During this time, a temporary electrode is placed near the affected nerve using a needle, guided by ultrasound or X-ray. The stimulator is activated so you can see how well it reduces your pain level.[1]

If your trial is successful and the device gives you significant pain relief, you may move forward with permanent implantation.[2] This involves a short outpatient procedure to place the leads and generator under your skin. Recovery is usually quick, with minimal downtime.[2]

Living with a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator System

Once implanted, the device becomes part of your pain management routine. You can turn it on or off, adjust the intensity, and switch between programs depending on your activity level or how you’re feeling on any given day. Your doctor can also help fine-tune the settings over time to keep you as comfortable as possible.[4]

Some systems require recharging every few days, while others are designed to last for months without maintenance. Your provider will walk you through what to expect based on the device model.[5]

Benefits of a Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Device

Peripheral nerve stimulators offer several advantages, especially for people dealing with hard-to-treat nerve pain:

  • Targeted Relief: The stimulation occurs exactly where the pain starts—at the affected nerve.
  • Drug-Free Option: It may reduce or even eliminate the need for daily pain medications.[4]
  • Minimally Invasive: Implantation is quick and low-risk, with minimal large incisions and a short recovery period.[1]
  • Reversible: If the device doesn’t help or causes discomfort, it can be turned off or removed entirely.[5]
  • Boosts Physical Recovery: When pain is under control, many patients can participate more fully in physical therapy and healthy activities that improve function, reduce long-term pain, and even help taper off medications.[6]

Peripheral Nerve Stimulators Are a Low-Risk Treatment

While generally safe and minimally invasive, peripheral nerve stimulation does carry some risks. These include mild discomfort at the implant site, infection, lead movement, or temporary skin irritation. Most issues are minor and can be managed by adjusting the device or through follow-up care.[2]

Is a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Right for You? Talk to a Pain Specialist to Find Out

If you’re living with chronic nerve pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments—like diabetic neuropathy, post-surgical pain, or nerve injury—this device may offer relief. Your pain specialist will review your symptoms, imaging, and overall health to determine if you’re a good candidate.[1]

A peripheral nerve stimulator won’t cure your pain, but it can significantly improve your quality of life. If you’re ready for a non-surgical, drug-free way to manage nerve pain, talk to your provider about whether a PNS device could be a good addition to your pain management treatment plan.

Resources:

  1. Trent AR, Chopra P, Jain A. Peripheral Nerve Stimulator. [Updated 2023 Mar 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Accessed July 31, 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539703/
  2. Al Khalili Y, Das JM. Nerve Stimulation. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Accessed July 31, 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557561/
  3. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi [Internet]. Published 2017. Accessed August 7, 2025. Accessed July 31, 2025. Available from: https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-hub/health-resource/treatments-and-procedures/peripheral-nerve-stimulation
  4. Abd-Elsayed A, D’Souza RS. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: The Evolution in Pain Medicine. Biomedicines. 2021;10(1):18. Published 2021 Dec 23. doi:10.3390/biomedicines10010018. Accessed July 31, 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8773238/
  5. Javed S. 4 Things to Know About Peripheral Nerve Stimulation. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center [Internet]. Published January 02, 2025. Accessed July 31, 2025. Available from: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/4-things-to-know-about-peripheral-nerve-stimulation.h00-159773289.html
  6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation May Offer Long-Term Relief for Chronic Pain Patients. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published November 04, 2021. Accessed July 31, 2025. Available from: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/peripheral-nerve-stimulation-may-offer-long-term-relief-for-chronic-pain-patients
Scroll to Top