Neuromodulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a pain treatment that uses a small device to send gentle electrical signals to the spinal cord. These signals help block or reduce pain messages before they reach the brain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a pain treatment that uses mild electrical signals to calm irritated or overactive nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Small wires are placed near the specific nerve causing pain, and a tiny external or implanted device sends gentle pulses that help interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
Spinal Cord Stimulation?
A thin wire (lead) is placed near the spinal cord, and a small battery (like a pacemaker) is implanted under the skin. When the device is turned on, it changes how the brain feels pain—often making it much less noticeable.
It’s most often used for chronic pain (like back, leg, or nerve pain) when other treatments haven’t helped. Patients usually try it first with a temporary trial to see if it works before getting a permanent device.
The goal isn’t to eliminate pain completely, but to reduce pain and improve daily life, often allowing people to move more and use fewer pain medications.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
PNS is often used for localized pain—such as shoulder, knee, facial, or post-surgical nerve pain—especially when other treatments haven’t worked. Some systems are temporary and used for several weeks, while others are long-term. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and decrease reliance on pain medications, helping patients return to daily activities more comfortably