SPRINT® Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) in Ventura
SPRINT® Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS): A Breakthrough in Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals, often leading to diminished quality of life. While pain management typically involves medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries, there is an emerging alternative that is minimally invasive and highly effective: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Among the various PNS treatments available, the SPRINT® PNS System has gained attention for its ability to provide significant and lasting pain relief without requiring surgery, incisions, or permanent implants.
What is SPRINT® Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)?
SPRINT® Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment designed to alleviate chronic pain caused by various conditions. The system works by directly targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. Unlike other neurostimulation treatments that focus on the spine, SPRINT® PNS targets the pain at its source, offering a more localized and effective solution.
The SPRINT® system involves placing a small, flexible wire known as the MicroLead™ near the nerve causing pain. The wire is connected to an externally worn device called a pulse generator, which delivers mild electrical pulses to the nerve. These pulses block pain signals, preventing them from reaching the brain and thus providing relief from pain.
One of the key benefits of the SPRINT® PNS system is that it is a temporary treatment. The system is designed to be used for 60 days, after which it is removed, leaving patients with continued relief from pain for months after treatment ends.

How Does the SPRINT® PNS Procedure Work?
The SPRINT® PNS procedure is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is positioned comfortably on a table, and a local anesthetic is applied to the area where the MicroLead™ will be inserted. Using an x-ray fluoroscope to guide the process, the physician inserts a hollow needle to place the MicroLead™ near the affected nerve. Once the lead is in the proper position, it is connected to the pulse generator, which is attached to the patient’s body with a gel pad.

Throughout the procedure, the physician will communicate with the patient to fine-tune the positioning of the lead for optimal pain relief. The entire procedure typically takes around 30 minutes, and patients can go home the same day.
After the procedure, patients are trained on how to use a small handheld remote to control the stimulation settings. This gives them the flexibility to adjust the intensity of the stimulation based on their comfort level. Unlike traditional implants, the SPRINT® PNS system does not require any permanent devices, making it a non-invasive, low-risk option for pain management.
What Conditions Does SPRINT® PNS Treat?
SPRINT® PNS is effective for a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Occipital neuralgia
- Extremity pain (e.g., pain in the arms or legs)
- Shoulder pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Piriformis syndrome
- Phantom limb pain
- Joint pain (including osteoarthritis)
- Post-surgery pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Many patients with these conditions struggle to find lasting relief from pain, and SPRINT® PNS offers a drug-free, non-surgical option that can help reduce or eliminate discomfort.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The SPRINT® PNS procedure is straightforward, with minimal downtime. After the placement of the MicroLead™ and pulse generator, the patient may experience some mild tenderness or discomfort at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few days. Since there are no permanent implants or incisions, patients can resume their normal activities once the treatment site has healed, usually within a week.
While some patients experience immediate relief, others may notice gradual improvements over several weeks. Clinical studies have shown that over 70% of patients report significant and sustained pain relief, even after the device is removed. The effects of the treatment can last for months, and many patients continue to experience relief up to a year or more after the therapy has ended.
Key Benefits of SPRINT® PNS
- Minimally invasive: No surgery, incisions, or permanent implants.
- Drug-free: Does not rely on medications or opioids.
- Temporary relief: After 60 days, the system is removed, and pain relief can persist.
- Control over treatment: Patients can adjust the stimulation intensity to suit their needs.
- Quick recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within a week.
For individuals suffering from chronic pain, the SPRINT® PNS system offers an innovative, non-invasive solution that can provide long-lasting relief. Its temporary, drug-free approach makes it an attractive option for those looking to manage their pain without the risks and side effects associated with traditional treatments. If you are living with chronic pain and seeking an alternative to surgery or medications, the SPRINT® PNS system may be the key to reclaiming a pain-free life.
For more information about this procedure, please contact us at 805-351-0745