Neuropathy causes nerves to misfire, creating pain that feels constant and uncontrollable. Neuromodulation therapy helps “reset” those nerves using gentle electrical pulses that calm overactivity and reduce pain.
At MAPS Centers for Pain Control in Chicago, this non-surgical therapy—led by experts like Dr. Timothy R. Lubenow, MD, an internationally recognized pain specialist—has helped patients with diabetic neuropathy, post-surgical pain, and other nerve injuries reclaim comfort and mobility without heavy medications or invasive surgery.

Explore related guides in this content cluster:

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Neuromodulation Therapy?
Neuromodulation vs. Other Pain Treatments: Choosing the Best Option for Your Nerve Pain
How Neuromodulation Targets Neuropathy Pain: What Patients Need to Know
5 Quick Signs You Might Benefit from Neuromodulation

When Nerves Keep Sending Pain Signals

Neuropathy occurs when peripheral nerves—those outside your brain and spinal cord—become damaged or hypersensitive. Instead of shutting off after an injury heals, they keep sending constant distress signals.
For patients, this can feel like:

Burning or icy pain in the feet or hands
Electric shock sensations that come and go
Numbness mixed with hypersensitivity
Disrupted sleep or balance problems

Dr. Lubenow explains:
“The body’s alarm system just won’t shut off. Even when the injury or cause has healed, the nerves continue firing pain signals as if danger is still present. That’s where neuromodulation steps in—it helps calm those overactive pathways.”

Over time, the brain begins to “believe” the pain is permanent. Neuromodulation helps break that loop.

Neuromodulation Therapy Explained

Neuromodulation uses a small, implanted device to deliver precisely timed electrical impulses to pain-carrying nerves. These signals don’t numb the area—they quiet the pain messages before they reach the brain.
Think of it as tuning a static-filled radio: instead of blasting noise, the device helps the nervous system play the right signal again.

Core Components

Leads: Tiny flexible wires that rest near the nerves involved in pain.
Pulse Generator: A battery-powered device placed just beneath the skin.
Controller: A simple remote or phone app that adjusts intensity.

The entire system is minimally invasive, reversible, and personalized to each patient’s pain pattern.

Why It Works for Neuropathy

Unlike inflammation-based pain, neuropathic pain comes from miscommunication within nerves themselves. Neuromodulation directly corrects that miscommunication.

How It Helps

Interrupts false pain signals before they reach the brain.
Encourages healthier nerve activity by restoring balanced electrical patterns.
Improves circulation to help nourish and protect nerve tissue.
Lowers inflammation in surrounding tissues that can worsen sensitivity.

“It’s one of the few therapies that works with the nervous system rather than against it,” says Dr. Lubenow. “We’re not blocking or burning nerves—we’re retraining them.”

Studies show neuromodulation can reduce chronic neuropathic pain by 50–80% and improve daily functioning, especially in diabetic and post-surgical cases (Deer et al., Pain, 2017).

Different Ways Neuromodulation Treats Nerve Pain

MAPS physicians match each patient with the least invasive and most precise option:

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS):
For pain running down the back, legs, or arms. Leads are positioned in the epidural space to quiet pain pathways traveling through the spinal cord.
Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation – The Newest Refinement in Spinal Stimulation:
The most recent evolution of neuromodulation therapy, DRG stimulation targets a small cluster of nerve cells called the dorsal root ganglion—located just outside the spinal cord. By focusing directly on the spinal nerve roots that serve the painful region, it allows for highly targeted, precise pain relief. It’s especially effective for localized pain—such as a burning sensation in the foot, knee, or groin—and for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or focal neuropathy that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments.
- Dr. Lubenow was among the first U.S. physicians trained in DRG stimulation and helped bring it to market in 2016. “DRG changed everything for patients with localized pain like CRPS or nerve injuries around the knee or groin,” he notes. “We can pinpoint the exact nerve root and restore comfort where other therapies failed.”
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS):
Used for isolated pain near a single nerve (for example, the shoulder or knee). A micro-lead is placed beside the affected nerve for focused relief.

Therapy Type	Description	Best For
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)	Leads are placed in the epidural space along the spine to block widespread nerve pain.	Back pain, sciatica, or post-surgical neuropathy
Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation	Electrodes are positioned along nerve roots serving the painful region for pinpoint precision.	Localized neuropathy or CRPS in the foot, knee, or groin
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)	A miniaturized electrode is placed near a specific peripheral nerve.	Shoulder, hip, or knee pain; post-traumatic nerve injuries

Talk to your MAPS physician to determine whether spinal cord, DRG, or peripheral stimulation best fits your condition.

What Treatment Looks Like

1. Personalized Evaluation

Your MAPS care team reviews your pain history, imaging, and past therapies. The goal: confirm that neuropathy is the primary cause of your symptoms and determine the best neuromodulation type.

2. The Trial Week

A small external system is placed temporarily—no incisions required. You’ll test the therapy for about seven days during normal activities.
If your pain improves by at least 50%, you’ll qualify for permanent implantation.

3. The Implant Procedure

Under light sedation, the permanent leads and a battery (about the size of two stacked quarters) are implanted.
Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity within a week.

4. Fine-Tuning and Follow-Up

The system’s settings can be adjusted anytime as your nerves heal and your comfort changes. MAPS specialists monitor your progress and make small adjustments for lasting relief.

Dr. Lubenow emphasizes:

“The trial week is one of the most empowering parts for patients. They get to feel the difference firsthand before committing to anything permanent—and most are amazed by how much relief they get within days.”

Benefits Patients Notice Most

Relief That Feels Natural – Pain fades without the grogginess of medication.
Better Sleep and Energy – Chronic nerve pain often disrupts rest; stimulation helps restore normal sleep cycles.
Improved Mobility – Patients walk longer distances and regain balance confidence.
Lower Medication Use – Many reduce or stop daily opioids or neuropathy drugs.
Long-Term Stability – Results typically last years, and devices can be reprogrammed easily.
Reversible by Design – If you ever wish to stop, the system can be removed with no permanent changes.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You may be an excellent candidate if you:

Have neuropathy or nerve pain lasting six months or longer.
Have tried medications, injections, or physical therapy without lasting improvement.
Experience burning, tingling, or electric sensations in the legs, feet, or hands.
Have diabetic neuropathy, post-surgical nerve pain, or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Want to avoid invasive surgery and reduce medication dependence.

“Many of our best candidates are people who’ve been told there’s nothing else to try,” says Dr. Lubenow. “Neuromodulation gives them hope—and measurable relief.”

Learn more: Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Neuromodulation Therapy?

Life After the Implant

Patients often describe neuromodulation as “getting their life back.” In the first few months, most experience:

Noticeably reduced pain and sensitivity
Better concentration and mood
Easier movement during daily tasks
Renewed motivation to walk, travel, and socialize

MAPS continues follow-up visits to optimize your settings, monitor device health, and support your recovery goals

FAQs

1. How is neuromodulation different from medication?
Unlike medication, which affects the entire body, neuromodulation acts directly on the nerves causing pain, minimizing side effects.
2. Does it work for diabetic neuropathy?
Yes. Many diabetic patients experience major pain reduction and improved sensation after spinal cord or DRG stimulation.
3. Will I feel the device under my skin?
The implant is small and discreet, typically placed in an area where you won’t notice it—like the lower back or hip.
4. What if I move or exercise?
Modern systems automatically adjust stimulation as you move, ensuring steady relief during daily activity.
5. How long do results last?
Most patients enjoy 7–10 years of consistent pain control before a simple battery replacement.
6. Is the therapy reversible?
Yes. The system can be turned off or removed anytime. There’s no permanent alteration to your nerves.
7. How soon will I notice results?
Many patients experience significant pain relief within days of the trial. Results often improve further after fine-tuning.
8. Is it covered by insurance?
Yes. Neuromodulation is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans for chronic nerve pain and neuropathy.
9. What are the risks?
Minor soreness or infection at the incision site is possible but rare. Serious complications are extremely uncommon.
10. Can neuromodulation help even if I’ve had back surgery?
Absolutely. It’s often used to treat failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and persistent neuropathic pain following prior operations.

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Request a Consultation

Chronic nerve pain doesn’t have to control your life. With advanced neuromodulation therapies available at MAPS Centers for Pain Control, patients across Chicagoland are rediscovering comfort and mobility—without medication or surgery.

Request your consultation today.