Blocking Chronic Nerve Pain with Electrical Signals: How It Works

For the 10% of the population who suffer from some sort of chronic nerve pain, it can be overwhelming. For many people, medications, physical therapy, and even surgery may not fully relieve the discomfort. 

Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, of Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, offers advanced treatments, like spinal cord stimulation, to stop nerve pain. These treatments use carefully controlled electrical signals to block pain messages before they reach the brain.

Check this information from our team about how the electrical signals block pain and how it can help you find relief and reduce medication use.

About nerve pain

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is different from other types of pain. Instead of being caused by injury to tissues like muscles or joints, it’s caused by damage or dysfunction of the nerves themselves. 

Common conditions that lead to nerve pain include:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Spinal stenosis
• Post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve injuries

When you have nerve pain, it’s because your nerves send abnormal signals to the brain, creating sensations like burning, stabbing, or shooting pain. This discomfort frequently occurs without an obvious trigger.

How electrical signals help

Chronic nerve pain happens when damaged or overactive nerves continue to send faulty messages to the brain. One of the most advanced ways to manage this pain is by using gentle electrical signals to block or change those messages before they’re perceived.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) works by placing a small device, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin. Thin wires called leads deliver mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These signals don’t damage the nerves. Instead, they interrupt pain messages so the brain registers less pain, or sometimes a more comfortable tingling sensation.

Another innovative treatment option is the Nalu Micro-IPG Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) system. Unlike SCS, which targets the spinal cord, this compact device delivers electrical pulses directly to the specific nerves causing pain. 

It is battery-free, wirelessly charged, and discreet to live with, making it a convenient therapy for conditions such as neuropathy, post-surgical pain, and musculoskeletal pain. For many patients, it provides long-term relief while reducing the need for medications.

Another advanced therapy, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), uses controlled heat to safely target nerves responsible for pain. By disrupting the nerve’s ability to send signals to the brain — without harming surrounding tissues — RFA can provide lasting relief. 

We often consider these therapies when conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections haven’t been effective.

What to expect with treatment

Spinal cord stimulation starts with a trial phase during which  Dr. Skaribas places temporary leads attached to an external device for about a week to gauge effectiveness.

If the trial is successful, the doctor implants a small generator under the skin, programmable to meet your specific needs. Most patients return to daily activities with fewer pain medications. 

If you undergo treatment with the Nalu Micro-IPG PNS, we’ll test the device in-office before permanent placement to ensure optimal pain coverage.

We place leads near the targeted nerves and connect them to the micro-IPG device. The system is wirelessly recharged as needed. You enjoy discreet, ongoing relief for specific nerve pain and can often reduce pain medication use.

During radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Skaribas uses imaging guidance to target the specific nerves causing pain and applies controlled heat. The procedure is minimally invasive, with most patients returning to regular activity quickly.

Radiofrequency ablation can lead to pain relief that can last months to years, depending on nerve regrowth.

Candidates for electrical nerve treatment

Spinal cord stimulation may be recommended for patients with chronic nerve pain that hasn’t responded to medications, injections, or surgery. It’s a good option for those seeking an adjustable therapy that reduces reliance on pain medications like opioids.

Nalu PNS is ideal for patients with localized nerve pain who want a compact, discreet, and long-term solution.

Radiofrequency ablation is suitable for patients whose chronic pain persists despite conservative care and who need a minimally invasive, durable option for targeted pain relief.

Explore your treatment options 

Electrical signals bring more than pain relief for many patients with chronic nerve pain. The treatments can lead to better sleep, improved mood, increased mobility, and a return to activities individuals thought they could never do again.

If you’re living with chronic nerve pain and wondering whether spinal cord stimulation might be right for you, the team at Expert Pain can help you explore your options and guide you through the process. Contact the office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about innovative treatments for chronic nerve pain.