If you have chronic pain, peripheral nerve stimulation can help. It uses electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals. It may reduce your need for pain medications. Here’s how it works.
Stimulator Receiver
The system has three parts. The first is a tiny implant we call a “stimulator receiver.” It looks like a wire. It’s put in through a needle and placed next to your painful nerves. More than one may be put into your body.
Transmitter
A stimulator receiver doesn’t need a battery. It gets power from the second part of the system. This is the “transmitter” (also called the “antenna”). You clip it to your clothing and wear it against your skin. It sends wireless electrical pulses through your skin and into each stimulator receiver, which deliver the pulses to your nerves. These pulses intercept and block pain signals. They help you feel a lot less pain.
Controller
How do you adjust the signals? You do it with the third part of the system, called the “controller.” Your controller may be an app on a phone, tablet or smartwatch. Customize your settings to deliver the strength and pattern of stimulation that feels best to you. You’ll be guided through this process and taught how to block your pain.
The providers at Swift Spine Institute use the Stimwave, the SPR Therapeutics (Sprint), and the NALU Peripheral Nerve Stimulation. Learn more about the Stimwave PNS here and watch a testimonial video featuring Joe Montana.
Request more information
Talk to your Swift Spine Institute provider to find out if wireless peripheral nerve stimulation is right for you. Request an appointment here.
