Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)
There are options for controlling certain types of chronic pain without the use of medication or surgery. Interfering with the delivery of pain signals to the brain can be an effective pain management strategy, without the use of narcotics or other medications. A minimally-invasive option is percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS). This advanced minimally-invasive treatment is available at Medici Spine & Pain.
Electrical pulses or currents can interrupt pain signals and desensitize nerves to help control pain. This technique has been used with success with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) that emits an electrical current through electrodes placed on the skin near the affected nerves. PENS uses the same method. However, it uses a low voltage electrical current that is delivered into the fatty tissue under the skin near the nerve producing the pain signal. A thin needle is used to target the electrical current close to the nerve for more direct and precise delivery.
PENS for Neuropathic Chronic Pain
PENS is used to manage neuropathic chronic pain conditions such as peripheral diabetic neuropathy, nerve hypersensitivity, post-surgical pain and neuropathic headaches. The procedure does not damage the nerves but is aimed at desensitizing them to reduce pain signals sent to the brain. To administer the treatment, the skin near the targeted nerves is numbed with a local anesthetic. Acupuncture-like needles are inserted into the fatty tissue near the nerve and a low voltage generator delivers an electrical current to the needles. Most PENS treatments last less than an hour.
PENS can provide reduced chronic pain for approximately four months after the treatment, and it can be repeated to sustain the effects. We utilize PENS and other treatment modalities to give patients maximum relief from chronic neuropathic pain. To learn more about PENS and other pain management treatments, contact one of our clinics located in the greater Atlanta area.