Neurostim for Pain Relief

neurostimFor patients suffering from chronic or acute pain, there are alternatives to medications for relief. The Neuro-Stim System may be one of those alternatives. Neuro-Stim System (NSS) is an FDA cleared peripheral nerve stimulator designed to provide field stimulation to peripheral and cranial nerves in the ear over a 3-5 day period. NSS is mainly used to treat pain in pre-operative or post-operative pain therapy as well as chronic pain.

How NSS works
NSS is placed behind the patient’s ear and connected to stimulation electrode arrays placed in the auricle. The advantage of using the ear is that it offers easy access to many nerve bundles allowing for a very minimally invasive procedure.

During the 3-5 day period that the NSS is in place, it transmits low-frequency electrical impulses to exposed nerve bundles. Research has shown that the autonomic nervous system plays an important role in pain modulation and perception. Chronic pain is likely due to a malfunction in the body’s central nervous system. While medications are often used as the first line treatment for this type of chronic pain, it only masks the pain response. NSS not only relieves pain, but also reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, resulting in decreased inflammation and increased arterial perfusion and oxygenation to the tissues. It provides a solution, not just a temporary fix.

Benefits of NSS
The NSS is minimally invasive and is able to be applied in a convenient 15 minute office visit. NSS is a non-narcotic alternative to treat pain, which is a clear advantage. Narcotic and even over the counter pain relievers have long lists of potential side effects, such as addiction and impaired reactions. Most patients who have used NSS report an improvement in overall clarity and quality of life.

Typical Treatment
Chronic Pain – 6 treatments on average

For chronic pain patients, up to 6 treatments may be needed to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit. Treatments are performed in sets of three, with a new device being placed every 7 days. Treatment results vary, with some patients experiencing complete relief of pain, in as few as 1-3 sessions.

Acute Pain – 3 treatments on average
Acute pain patients typically respond more quickly and often need only 1-3 treatments. This can be an effective way to manage pre-operative pain and can also be used for post-operative pain. Research studies are even investigating the use of NSS during childbirth as an alternative to epidurals.

What it Feels Like
Most patients report a slight tapping sensation when the device is initially placed. This typically goes away within a few hours. The device stimulates the nerve bundles in a pattern of two hours on, two hours off over the 3-5 day period.

Cost of the NSS varies, but is covered by most major medical insurances. A brief history and examination can determine if this device is medically necessary for you. NSS can be used for conditions such as neck, shoulder and low back pain, as well as fibromyalgia, headaches and more.

Synergy Health in Naples combines chiropractic, medical, massage therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy to provide exceptional results to patients. Synergy Health is always adding cutting edge technology to treatment protocols in order to provide the best treatment options available to patients. To find out more about NSS or our team approach, please call 239-263-3330 or visit www.synergynaples.com.

Synergy Health
www.synergynaples.com
239-263-3330
13020 Livingston Road, Suite 14
Naples, FL 34105

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