Lumbar Back Pain- Multifidus pathology
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (Multifidus)
1746879557
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) helps manage chronic lower back pain by improving muscle function. It targets the multifidus muscle, crucial for spinal stability. When this muscle weakens, pain and instability can result.
PNS involves placing a neurostimulator near the multifidus muscle. This device sends gentle electrical signals to reactivate and strengthen the muscle, reducing pain.
PNS may be suitable if you have chronic lower back pain unresponsive to other treatments, especially due to multifidus atrophy. MRI or physical exams can detect muscle issues, guiding doctors to recommend PNS.
Alternatives include physical therapy to strengthen back muscles or epidural injections to reduce inflammation. Spinal surgery may be explored if structural problems exist.
Risks include potential infection, nerve damage, or device issues like malfunction. Some experience temporary muscle spasms initially.
Before the procedure, your doctor might order MRI or CT scans to plan device placement. A test stimulation may occur to evaluate benefits but isn't always needed.
After the procedure, avoid heavy lifting and bending for several weeks. Regular check-ups ensure device functionality. Full benefits may take about six months.
PNS isn't a cure but helps manage pain by enhancing natural muscle function, reducing dependence on medications. If chronic pain affects your life, our team can assess if PNS is right for you.
FAQs
How should one prepare for a Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedure?
Preparation for PNS may involve imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to map the spinal anatomy and plan the device placement accurately. Sometimes, a test stimulation is conducted to evaluate the potential benefits, although this is not always necessary for every patient.
What are the potential risks associated with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
The potential risks of PNS include infection, nerve damage, or issues with the device such as malfunction. Some patients may also experience temporary muscle spasms or discomfort during the initial period of stimulation.
What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) for the multifidus muscle?
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) for the multifidus muscle is a procedure that involves placing a neurostimulator near this deep back muscle. The neurostimulator emits gentle electrical signals to reactivate and strengthen the multifidus, which is crucial for spinal stability, thereby helping to manage chronic lower back pain.
What is the recovery process like after undergoing Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
Following the PNS procedure, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and bending for several weeks. Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure the device is functioning correctly. While some relief may be immediate, full benefits typically take about six months, and it's essential to continue follow-up care and any recommended physical therapy for optimal results.
Who is a candidate for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
PNS may be suitable for individuals with chronic lower back pain that has not responded to other treatments, particularly when due to atrophy or dysfunction of the multifidus muscle. Doctors use MRI or physical exams to detect issues with the multifidus muscle and determine if PNS is appropriate.