What is the ONSTIM Treatment for Chronic Pain?

The ONSTIM Treatment is an overall treatment plan and implantation of the Curonix Freedom Peripheral Nerve Stimulator by Dr. Erik Nilssen, a highly-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. The ONSTIM Treatment is highly effective for patients who have suffered chronic pain for greater than 1 year, and have failed non-operative treatments such as medication and physical therapy. The treatment consists of several stages, detailed below, that:

  • Determine if you are a candidate for the ONSTIM Treatment via no-cost consult.
  • A simple injection at the pain site to determine how much pain the ONSTIM Treatment will eliminate.
  • A Trial Implant and a Healthcare Holiday to let you experience life without pain.
  • A required waiting period if your insuror requires it and validation for permanent implantation.
  • The Permanent Implant at our outpatient surgery center.

If you have more questions, please contact our offices at 850-418-0007 or contact us via our email form. We look forward to helping you find a life without pain and restrictions.

Am I a Candidate for the ONSTIM Treatment?

The ideal candidate for the ONSTIM treatment is someone who has been experiencing chronic pain for an extended period, typically over a year. This treatment is particularly suitable for patients who have not found relief through various non-operative treatments, such as physical therapy, bracing, or anti-inflammatories. Key candidates include:

  • Patients seeking alternatives to major surgeries, like ankle or knee replacements, especially those who have tried all non-operative treatments and are looking to avoid such invasive procedures.
  • Individuals who have undergone orthopedic surgery but continue to experience pain. The ONSTIM treatment offers a non-opioid option for pain management in these cases, potentially avoiding the need for further surgical interventions.
  • Overweight patients who are recommended for joint replacement surgeries but are not ideal candidates due to their weight. The ONSTIM treatment can serve as an interim solution for pain relief, possibly aiding in weight loss and exercise, which might eventually make them eligible for the surgery.
  • Elderly patients or those with multiple health issues (comorbidities) who are not ideal candidates for major orthopedic surgeries due to risks associated with their overall health or social circumstances. The ONSTIM treatment can provide an effective pain relief option with a minimally invasive approach, suitable for patients who cannot undergo lengthy recovery periods.

Overall, the ONSTIM treatment is a non-opioid option for those who have exhausted other forms of pain management and are looking for a less invasive, yet safe and effective solution to chronic pain.

Stage 0 – The Consult

After you’ve contacted our clinic, we’ll schedule a no-cost phone consult with you and get to know you, your level of pain, your history, etc. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions about the ONSTIM Treatment and any of the phases. This conversation is at no cost to you, and helps determine if you are a candidate for the ONSTIM Treatment.
We’ll also review your insurance and any requirements they may have, and create a plan with you to get you the pain relief you seek without additional pain in your wallet. If you have any x-rays or other films, we’ll walk you through how you can share those with us so we can give you the best guidance on how effective the ONSTIM Treatment is for you. To get started, please call us at 850-418-0007 or fill out our Contact Form to get your no-cost interview scheduled.

Stage 1 – The Injection

You’ll meet us at our clinic and we’ll review your pain goals. We’ll identify the nerves in your pain area and inject you with medications that will simulate the effect of peripheral nerve stimulation. You will immediately feel relief from pain, and we’ll help you identify the level of pain relief you are feeling. Everyone’s pain is different and our goal is to tailor pain relief to you.
This is a diagnostic injection, and will wear off in about an hour, but will give you an idea of the relief you will be able to achieve with the ONSTIM treatment. If you are happy with the pain relief, we will work with you to get insuror verification to proceed with the Trial Implant.

Stage 2 – The ONSTIM Trial Implant

Once we’ve received approval from your insuror, we will schedule a Trial Implant procedure. This is a minimally-invasive, in-office procedure is designed to:

  • Implant temporary receiver leads into your pain area. These leads are not fully implanted under the skin and will stick out slightly. We will bandage this area and teach you how to care for themduring your short, 4-7 day trial period.
  • Set up your transmitter and show you how to operate it. The transmitter has an adjustment range so you can dial in your pain relief to suit you. You’ll also meet your dedicated care representative for your device and get their contact information.
  • Show you how to attach your transmitter with a comfortable, adjustable strap that places the transmitter near the pain area, and give you care instructions.

After your trial implantation, we’ll ask you to enjoy a Healthcare Holiday and try out your new pain-free life on our beaches and area attractions. We have a number of suggestions for shopping, beach walks, and exploring that will help you put your ONSTIM Treatment temporary implant through a thorough testing.

Stage 3 – The Insurance Waiting Period

After your ONSTIM Trial Implant and your Healthcare Holiday testing, we will coordinate with your insurance company to get reimbursement approval for your permanent implant. This process may take a few days to several weeks, depending on your insuror. Be sure to talk to our clinic about what you can expect for a waiting period. During this time, we are available to answer any questions you may have and encourage you to contact us for updates.
Once we have received approval from your insurance, we will contact you to schedule your ONSTIM Permanent Implant.
To learn more about insurance, please visit our Coverage and Payment Options page.

Stage 4 – The Permanent Implant

Once we’ve received insurance verification and approval, it’s time to schedule your Permanent Implant.

  • We’ll coordinate with you to schedule your visit to our outpatient surgery center. This is a same-day procedure that is minimally-invasive and very quick.
  • We will make a small incision and create a “pocket” for your leads. The leads rest inside this pocket and the tip is near the nerves that send pain signals.
  • Once the leads have been implanted, we’ll give you care instructions for your bandage covering your incision. There is nothing sticking out, but you will have a few stitches that will need removal.
  • After the surgery, we’ll help you put on your personalized Peripheral Nerve Stimulator transmitter and start your journey on a pain-free life.