Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Shoulder Pain Q&A

A nerve stimulator uses small electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves in the shoulder and neck area which can help reduce pain signals sent to the brain and provide temporary relief from shoulder pain.

Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of nerve stimulation therapy for shoulder pain, with many showing positive results.

A systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation found that nerve stimulation therapy was effective in reducing shoulder pain in patients with various shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tendinopathy, adhesive capsulitis, and postoperative pain.

Another study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery found that patients with chronic shoulder pain who received nerve stimulation therapy experienced significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life.

It’s important to note that while nerve stimulation therapy can be an effective treatment option for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. Those with pacemakers, epilepsy, or metal implants should avoid this therapy due to potential safety concerns, and any other areas of concern will be broached with you by your doctor.

PNS has been used successfully to manage chronic pain syndromes in various parts of the body, including the shoulder; however, clinical research on the efficacy of PNS for shoulder pain has been mixed. While some studies report high success rates, others have found little to no improvement in studied patients.

One study, published in the Journal of Pain Research in 2016, analyzed the outcomes of PNS for patients with chronic shoulder pain. Of the patients who underwent PNS over a six-month period, 81% reported pain relief and improved quality of life.

Another study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery in 2017 evaluated the effectiveness of PNS in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the upper extremities, including the shoulder. Of the patients who participated, 62% experienced significant pain reduction and improvement in disability scores following their procedure.

While the available research suggests that PNS may be a beneficial treatment for some patients with chronic shoulder pain, the success rate of this treatment varies widely depending on the person and the cause of their pain. Further research still needs to be done to better understand which patients are most likely to benefit from this kind of pain relief therapy.

While recovery times can vary, many patients begin to experience pain relief within a few weeks of their PNS implantation.

In some cases, patients may experience immediate relief, while in others, it may take several months for the full benefits of the treatment to take hold.

It’s important to understand that while PNS can be an effective treatment option for chronic shoulder pain, patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of having this surgery with their attending healthcare providers. In some cases, PNS may not be suitable for certain subsets of patients, such as those with heart conditions or bleeding disorders.

At OmniSpine Pain Management, our team is dedicated to getting you relief from your shoulder pain. For more information about PNS, contact us today or book online to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable specialists. You can visit us at our clinics located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.