Can Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Limit The Want For Opioids?
If you’re experiencing pain in your peripheral nervous system (PNS), then peripheral nerve stimulation may be beneficial for reducing chronic pain or discomfort, without the use of opioids.
Opioids are highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. In the United States, about 3 million people suffer from opioid use disorder. Seeking alternative modes of pain reduction is key to reducing the pain that opioids are not only meant to prevent, but also the pain they cause.
What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Your PNS is composed of the nerves outside your central nervous system (CNS). Your CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord. So, this treatment can be beneficial for those experiencing nerve-based pain in the hips, knees, shoulders, the upper and lower limbs, and even the lower back.
Peripheral nerve stimulation sends small amounts of electrical current to those nerves at the root of your pain in order to mask the discomfort that you’re feeling. This stimulation has been engineered to mask pain signals only; there is no change to movement or sensation.
This safe, minimally invasive procedure is completed in two phases.
There is an initial phase where a temporary electrode is placed near the affected nerves. Typically, a local anesthetic is used. This is the trial portion of the treatment, which will help determine the effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulation for your condition, prior to implanting a permanent device. You will decide if this device works for you before one is implanted.
If you feel that this method of treatment is beneficial for you, then you’ll move into the second phase where a permanent device is implanted. This device can be controlled wirelessly or through an app in your cell phone.
At this point, you are able to control the peripheral stimulator implant, empowering you to manage your own pain.
About 70-80 percent of patients who receive a peripheral stimulator implant experience reduced pain. Treatments with this degree of success have the potential to reduce the perceived dependence on opioids.
The amount of pain that peripheral nerve stimulation can reduce will vary from person to person, and will depend on the severity of pain and condition treated. A physician like Dr. Warner, who has years of experience with treating nerve pain, can help determine whether this is an appropriate method of pain relief for you.
Peripheral nerve stimulation and other less damaging methods of pain relief, like natural supplements can allow the body the space it needs to heal naturally.
Reduce Nerve Pain With Well Theory
Nerve Pain Relief
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) can relieve nerve pain, protect nerves from damaging free radicals, reduce inflammation, and help control blood sugar. ALA is also a powerful antioxidant supplement. Not only is it an antioxidant, it can also recycle antioxidant vitamins C and E to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress throughout the body.
Optimal Aging & Reduce Pain
The Nervous System Multi is a unique supplement, formulated by Dr. Warner to encourage a healthy nervous system, promote optimal aging, and reduce pain. This multi boasts ingredients like PEA, Chlorella, Resveratrol, Omega-3, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, and Luteolin, to help boost cellular health, decrease inflammation, and protect your nerves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation