Permanent Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Cervical Neck Pain: A Case Report

Chronic cervical neck pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition that can be difficult to treat, particularly when patients fail to respond to conservative approaches, including physical therapy, medications, and epidural injections. We present the case of a 46-year-old female with a 2-year history of chronic left-sided neck pain and intermittent radicular symptoms, refractory to multiple pharmacologic and interventional treatment options. Imaging demonstrated degenerative disc disease and severe foraminal narrowing. The patient underwent a trial of left-sided cervical peripheral nerve stimulation, resulting in a 50% reduction in pain initially and a 90% reduction at the time of lead removal. This led to a plan for permanent implantation. This case highlights the potential of peripheral nerve stimulation as an effective intervention for chronic cervical pain, especially in patients who are not candidates for surgery or have failed other treatment modalities.