Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) SPRINT Trial in Castle Rock
Medical author: Eduardo Carrera, MD. Double board-certified in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R).
What is a SPRINT PNS trial?
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a short-term “test drive” of gentle electrical stimulation delivered near a specific nerve that contributes to your pain.
With the SPRINT system, Dr. Carrera places a very thin temporary wire (a “lead”) through a needle near the target nerve. The lead connects to a small external stimulator you wear on your body for about 60 days. At the end of the trial, the lead is removed—there is no implanted battery with SPRINT.
How can PNS help pain?
PNS does not “fix” arthritis or repair a disc. Instead, it changes how pain signals are processed by the nervous system. For some people, this can reduce pain sensitivity and improve function—even after the temporary lead is removed.
Who is this trial for?
Dr. Carrera may consider a SPRINT PNS trial for chronic spine, joint, or nerve pain that has not improved enough with appropriate conservative care and/or injections.
Common examples include:
· Shoulder pain (including rotator cuff–related pain) and other shoulder conditions in appropriately selected patients.
· Knee pain (including certain osteoarthritis patterns) and select postsurgical or nerve-related knee pain.
· Low back pain where specific peripheral nerves can be targeted (after a careful evaluation).
· Nerve-related pain (burning, tingling, shooting pain) where a target nerve is identifiable.
Not everyone is a candidate. Dr. Carrera will review your diagnosis, exam, imaging, medications, and prior treatments to make sure this is a safe and reasonable next step.
What does the science say?
In clinical studies, temporary 60-day PNS has helped some patients achieve meaningful pain relief and improved function for certain chronic pain conditions. Results vary by diagnosis and by person—which is why a trial is useful. A list of selected studies and guidelines is included at the end of this handout.
What to expect: the PNS trial procedure
Setting: Hospital outpatient procedure suite.
Time: The procedure itself typically takes about 5 minutes, and the overall visit is usually under 1–2 hours.
Sedation: No sedation or minimal sedation, depending on your situation.
Typical steps:
· Check-in and preparation (review medications/allergies; confirm the plan).
· Skin cleaning and numbing medicine.
· Lead placement with ultrasound and/or X-ray guidance (depending on the target nerve).
· Programming and education (you learn how to use the external stimulator and what to expect).
· You go home the same day with the external stimulator.
During the 60-day trial
You will wear the external stimulator each day. We may adjust settings to find what works best for you. We recommend keeping a simple log of:
· Pain levels (and what activities make pain better/worse)
· Function goals (walking, stairs, sleep, work tasks, hobbies)
· Medication changes (especially reduced “rescue” medication use)
How we decide if the trial is “successful”
We focus on real-life improvements, not just a number on a pain scale. A trial is often considered successful when you have both:
· Meaningful pain relief (often about 50% or more), and
· Better function (walking/standing longer, sleeping better, fewer flares, improved daily activity).
Before the trial, we will ask you to pick 2–3 specific goals so we can judge the outcome clearly (for example: “walk 20 minutes,” “sleep through the night,” or “climb stairs with less pain”).
What happens after the 60 days?
At the end of the trial, the temporary lead is removed in clinic (usually quickly and with minimal discomfort). Then:
· If the trial helps: Dr. Carrera will review your results with you and discuss whether temporary PNS is enough, or whether additional options are appropriate for your diagnosis.
· If the trial does not help enough: We do not continue with neuromodulation. Dr. Carrera will discuss other options tailored to your condition.
If you respond to SPRINT but relief does not last long-term: Some patients who clearly benefit from stimulation during the SPRINT trial may be candidates for a longer-term, permanently implanted peripheral nerve stimulation system (for example, Nalu). Dr. Carrera can discuss whether this makes sense for you and coordinate next steps when appropriate.
Activity and care instructions
To reduce the risk of the lead moving and to protect your skin:
· Avoid heavy lifting, repetitive bending/twisting, and strenuous exercise for the first several days (we will give specific guidance based on the target nerve).
· Keep the dressing clean and dry. Avoid soaking (no baths, hot tubs, or swimming).
· If you notice increasing redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or worsening pain at the site, call us promptly.
Risks and safety
Serious complications are uncommon, but any procedure has risk. Potential risks include:
· Soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the insertion site
· Skin irritation from dressings or the external device
· Infection (rare, but important to watch for)
· Lead movement, which can reduce benefit and may require adjustment or early removal
· Temporary numbness/tingling changes near the target area (uncommon)
Go to the ER or call us urgently for fever, spreading redness, drainage, new weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control, or severe worsening pain.
Common questions
Will the procedure hurt? Most patients feel pressure and brief discomfort. We use numbing medicine, and sedation is usually not needed.
Can I drive home? If you receive any sedation, you will need a driver. If you do not receive sedation, we will still review safety based on your symptoms and medications.
Can I work during the trial? Many people can do light work. Avoid jobs or tasks that require heavy lifting, repetitive bending/twisting, or strenuous activity.
Do I need to stop my medications? Not always. If you take blood thinners, we may need to hold them safely beforehand. We will give you individualized instructions.
Is the benefit guaranteed? No. Many patients improve, but outcomes vary. That’s the point of the trial—to see whether this therapy helps you specifically.
Selected references (for patients who want to read more)
• Deer TR, et al. Evidence-based clinical guidelines for the use of implantable peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in the treatment of chronic pain. American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) guideline.
• Gilmore CA, et al. Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain: clinical studies including 60-day PNS protocols (various indications).
• SPRINT PNS system: manufacturer patient information and clinical summaries (check most current version).
• Nalu Neurostimulation system: manufacturer patient information (for long-term implant option).
Last reviewed: December 20, 2025