Nalu peripheral nerve stimulation may finally offer a long-term solution for your chronic pain. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a drug-free pain management approach that uses mild electrical impulses to block pain signals from various parts of your body before they get to your brain. 

With the Nalu system, most patients will not be aware of these electrical impulses. A small percentage of patients may feel a gentle tingling sensation called paresthesia. Thin wires, called leads, are placed under the skin near the nerves that are associated with the pain and an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is placed under the skin and connected to the leads to provide the electrical impulses.

*This illustration shows the potential placement of the IPG and lead for treating shoulder pain.  Your physician will determine the appropriate approach for your specific situation.

How Does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Work?

You can think of each of your nerves as a single-line telephone that can only carry one conversation at a time. 

Since the leads are already sending a signal to the brain through the nerves that normally carry the pain signal, the line is busy and the pain signal does not get to the brain. As long as the stimulation signal is on the line, the pain signal cannot get through.

Peripheral nerve stimulation may relieve several types of pain throughout the body. Learn more about how Nalu peripheral nerve stimulation can help relieve your chronic pain.

How You’ll “Test Drive” the System

Once your physician decides that Nalu peripheral nerve stimulation may be right for you, you can try the system on a temporary basis before you commit to it.

Step 1: wear experience

The purpose of the wear experience is to make sure you are comfortable with Nalu wearables and feel what it would be like to live with the peripheral nerve stimulator system on a daily basis. During this assessment period, you will wear an adhesive clip and non-functioning Therapy Disc in various positions for up to 14 days to determine the best location of the Therapy Disc and IPG for your anatomy and lifestyle.

Step 2: therapy trial

To begin the trial, you will undergo a small surgical procedure to place thin wires (leads) near the nerve(s) identified by your physician and connect them to an external stimulator. During the therapy trial period, you and your physician will evaluate the amount of your pain relief and improvements in sleep and daily activities. After the therapy trial, the wires will be removed and you and your physician will decide if Nalu peripheral nerve stimulation is appropriate for you.

Step 3: permanent implant

If Steps 1 and 2 are successful, your physician will perform a minimally invasive surgical procedure to place permanent leads (1 or 2) and the Nalu micro-IPG in the optimal location for your specific pain. Your physician’s prescribed therapy will be programmed into the Nalu system and you will be trained on how to control your peripheral nerve stimulator through the remote control app on your smartphone.

Step 4: life resumed

You will work with your physician and the Nalu support team to optimize your Nalu peripheral nerve stimulator and manage your chronic pain. With pain relief, you may be able to resume activities (work, family, travel, etc.) that were previously too painful to enjoy.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Are spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation reversible?

Yes. Even though your leads and IPG are surgically implanted, they can be removed by your doctor, if ever needed.

Is neuromodulation covered by insurance or Medicare?

Neuromodulation is often covered by insurance or Medicare benefits, but it will depend on your personal health profile. Check with your healthcare provider or insurance company to learn more.

Can I turn the neurostimulation device off if I need to?

Yes, you will have control over your therapy and can turn it off using your Therapy Disc or the Nalu Remote Control App on your smartphone. You can also remove the Therapy Disc when therapy is not needed.

Can I travel with a neuromodulation system?

Traveling is simple and easy for people with a neuromodulation system. If you need to go through a security screening device, such as those found at the airport, you can request assistance to bypass the screening device since you have an implanted device.

Can I get an MRI with the Nalu Neurostimulation System?

Under certain conditions you can get an MRI with your Nalu device. Consult with your physician and Nalu representative before undergoing an MRI. To view Nalu Medical’s full MRI labeling, please click here.

How is the Therapy Disc held in place?

To hold the Therapy Disc, Nalu uses a clip with a special medical adhesive called hydrocolloid.  This type of adhesive has been widely used with patients for over 50 years with an allergy rate of less than 0.4%. Nalu patients find the Therapy Disc comfortable and oftentimes forget they’re wearing it.

Learn More

Talk to your doctor to learn if peripheral nerve stimulation is right for you. For additional questions, contact the Nalu Medical team.