While a nerve stimulator is most often used in the spine to treat neck and spine pain, this same type of technology can also be used for a variety of other conditions. At Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, our team of Board Certified doctors can use peripheral nerve stimulators to treat common ailments such as shoulder pain, knee pain and even neuropathies from disabilities or other nerve injuries.
What Is A Peripheral Nerve Stimulator?
While a spinal cord stimulator is implanted into the spine, a peripheral nerve stimulator works in a slightly different way. With peripheral nerve stimulation, a small electrical device is implanted next to one of the peripheral nerves. This device then sends electric pulses to help with pain relief. During testing, a doctor will connect these electrodes to an external device. If the test is successful, a small device is implanted into the patient’s body. This device then gives the patient control over turning the device on or off, as well as dialing the device’s parameters up or down as needed.
Peripheral nerve stimulation has been around since the 1960’s, but over the past few years these technologies have improved and started to be used for a variety of treatments.
Conditions Treated With A Peripheral Nerve Stimulator
Below are just a few of the conditions that are treatable using a peripheral nerve stimulator:
- Shoulder Pain
- Knee Pain
- Foot Pain
- Various Neuropathies From Certain Disabilities Or Nerve Pain
- Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Is Minimally Invasive
To insert the electrodes for nerve stimulation, a small incision in made to the affected area. We then use a small injection to perform the procedure. This type of procedure is low risk and much less invasive compared to traditional surgery. In addition, during the testing phase, you and the doctor can determine whether or not this procedure will work for you. If not, we simply remove the electrodes and look into other treatment options.
Could Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work For You?
If you’re interested in learning more about peripheral nerve stimulation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the medical team at Michigan Center For Regenerative Medicine today. We have a team of Board Certified physicians who would be more than happy to sit down with you to determine if this type of procedure is right for you. Give our office a call today at (248) 216-1008 to setup your first appointment at our clinic located in downtown Rochester.