A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Surgery and Long-Term Medications
Not all pain comes from the spine.
In many cases—especially after injury or surgery—pain originates from specific peripheral nerves outside the spinal cord. When that occurs, broader treatments such as injections or spinal cord stimulation often fail to adequately target the true pain source.
That’s where Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) comes in.
At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, we offer advanced neuromodulation treatments like PNS to provide highly targeted pain relief for patients who haven’t found success with traditional approaches.
What Is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)?
Peripheral nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive treatment that:
- Uses small electrical impulses to modulate pain signals
- Targets specific nerves outside the spine
- Reduces pain without major surgery
A small device is placed near the affected nerve, helping to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
How PNS Is Different from Spinal Cord Stimulation
While both are forms of neuromodulation, they treat different types of pain:
| Spinal Cord Stimulation | Peripheral Nerve Stimulation |
| Targets spinal cord | Targets specific peripheral nerves |
| Used for widespread nerve pain | Used for localized pain |
| Back, leg, or full-region pain | Shoulder, knee, hip, or focal nerve pain |
👉 PNS is ideal when pain is localized to a specific area
Conditions Treated with PNS
Peripheral nerve stimulation is commonly used for:
Localized Nerve Pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Post-surgical pain
Post-Traumatic Pain (After Injury)
- Pain after car accidents
- Nerve irritation from trauma
- Persistent pain despite healing
Neuropathic Pain Conditions
- Burning or shooting nerve pain
- Tingling or hypersensitivity
- Nerve entrapment syndromes
Chronic Joint Pain
When pain persists despite:
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Medications
Who Is a Candidate for PNS?
You are likely a strong candidate if:
- Pain is localized to a specific area
- Symptoms are nerve-related (burning, tingling, sharp pain)
- Conservative treatments haven’t worked
- You want to avoid surgery
- Pain is affecting your daily function
A detailed evaluation helps determine whether PNS is the right fit.
The PNS Procedure: What to Expect
PNS is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
Step-by-step:
- Evaluation & Planning
- Identify the exact nerve responsible for pain
- Device Placement
- A small lead is placed near the target nerve
- Guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy
- Trial Phase (in some cases)
- Temporary system used to evaluate effectiveness
- Ongoing Therapy
- Device delivers controlled stimulation
- Adjustable based on your comfort and results
What Does PNS Feel Like?
Depending on the system:
- Mild tingling sensation
- Or no sensation at all (newer systems)
Most patients describe the experience as comfortable and easy to adapt to.
Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Patients choose PNS because it offers:
- Highly targeted pain relief
- Minimally invasive treatment
- Reduced reliance on medications
- Reversible and adjustable therapy
- Improved function and mobility
PNS vs Injections: When to Consider It
Injections are often the first step—but they may only provide temporary relief.
You may consider PNS if:
- Injections helped but didn’t last
- Pain keeps returning
- The pain source is clearly nerve-related
👉 PNS offers a longer-term solution for persistent nerve pain
PNS for Personal Injury Patients
PNS can be especially helpful for patients with:
- Persistent localized pain after an accident
- Nerve irritation not responding to standard care
- Functional limitations despite treatment
It also plays an important role in:
- Advanced treatment planning
- Long-term recovery strategies
We treat patients across:
- Granada Hills
- Northridge
- Porter Ranch
- North Hills
- Sylmar
- Mission Hills
Q&A: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Q: Is PNS safe?
Yes. It is a minimally invasive, FDA-cleared treatment with a strong safety profile.
Q: Will I feel the device?
Most patients feel minimal sensation or mild stimulation.
Q: How long does it last?
Relief can be long-lasting, depending on the condition and response.
Q: Can it be removed?
Yes. PNS is reversible.
Q: Is it better than spinal cord stimulation?
Not necessarily—it depends on where your pain is coming from. PNS is better for localized pain.
When Should You Consider PNS?
You should consider an evaluation if:
- Pain is localized and persistent
- You’ve tried PT and injections without lasting relief
- You want a non-surgical option
- Pain is limiting your daily activities
A More Targeted Approach to Pain Relief
If your pain hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, it may be time to look at more precise options.
At Modern Pain Solutions, we specialize in advanced, targeted therapies like PNS to help patients achieve meaningful, lasting relief.
📍 Modern Pain Solutions
10700 Balboa Blvd, Suite 102
Granada Hills, CA 91344
📞 (818) 826-4145
🌐 https://modernpainsolutions.com/
📅 Request Appointment: https://modernpainsolutions.com/appointments/
