If you suffer from chronic pain that originates from a specific nerve — whether in your knee, shoulder, hip, or head — peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may offer the targeted relief you need. At Keith Schmidt, MD, in Hoffman Estates, IL, Dr. Schmidt uses cutting-edge PNS technology to deliver precise pain relief directly where it matters most. Call the office at (847) 981-3630 or schedule your consultation online today.
What is peripheral nerve stimulation?
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals from specific peripheral nerves. Unlike spinal cord stimulation, which targets the spinal cord broadly, PNS delivers focused stimulation directly to the nerve responsible for your pain, providing highly targeted relief.
Dr. Schmidt is triple board-certified in pain management, anesthesiology, and physical medicine & rehabilitation. He uses advanced ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance to precisely place PNS electrodes near the affected nerve for optimal results.
How does peripheral nerve stimulation work?
During PNS therapy, a small electrode (lead) is placed near the peripheral nerve causing your pain. This electrode delivers gentle electrical impulses that disrupt pain signal transmission between the nerve and your brain. Many patients experience significant pain relief, often replacing chronic pain with a mild, comfortable tingling sensation — or with newer high-frequency systems, no sensation at all.
Modern PNS systems offer several advantages:
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Some systems are temporary and do not require permanent implantation
- Reversible — the device can be removed if desired
- Adjustable stimulation settings for personalized pain control
- Can be used alongside other pain management therapies
What conditions does peripheral nerve stimulation treat?
PNS is effective for a wide range of chronic pain conditions where pain originates from a specific peripheral nerve, including:
- Chronic knee pain
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
- Post-surgical pain (post-herniorrhaphy, post-thoracotomy)
- Chronic headaches and occipital neuralgia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Hip pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Sports injuries with nerve involvement
Dr. Schmidt evaluates each patient thoroughly to determine whether PNS is the right approach for their specific condition and pain pattern.
Am I a good candidate for peripheral nerve stimulation?
You may be a candidate for PNS if you experience chronic pain from a specific nerve that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or nerve block injections. PNS is particularly well-suited for patients who want a targeted, non-opioid approach to pain management.
During your consultation, Dr. Schmidt will conduct a comprehensive evaluation — including a physical exam, review of imaging, and diagnostic nerve blocks — to determine if PNS is appropriate for your condition.
What should I expect during the procedure?
PNS placement is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia and light sedation. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, Dr. Schmidt places the electrode lead near the target nerve through a small needle. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and most patients return home the same day.
A trial period is usually conducted first to ensure the therapy provides meaningful pain relief before any long-term commitment. If the trial is successful, a more permanent system may be implanted depending on the type of PNS device used.
What results can I expect from peripheral nerve stimulation?
Many patients experience 50% or greater reduction in pain following PNS therapy. Benefits often include improved mobility, reduced reliance on pain medications, better sleep, and an overall improved quality of life. Dr. Schmidt schedules regular follow-up appointments to optimize your stimulation settings and ensure lasting results.
With a 4.9-star rating from over 600 Google reviews, Dr. Schmidt is one of the most trusted pain management specialists in the Chicagoland area. If chronic nerve pain is keeping you from living your best life, call (847) 981-3630 or schedule your consultation online today.