mPNS for Sciatica
Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Sciatic Pain
Sciatica describes pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its roots, producing radiating leg pain. mPNS (magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation) is a non-invasive neuromodulation therapy that targets peripheral nerve pathways to reduce pain and improve mobility
What is Sciatica
Sciatica is pain, numbness, tingling or weakness radiating from the lower back into the buttock and down one or both legs due to irritation or compression of lumbar nerve roots (commonly L4–S1) or the sciatic nerve.
Mechanisms: Common causes include lumbar disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or chemical/inflammatory irritation of the nerve root. Mechanical compression and inflammatory mediators produce abnormal nerve signaling, pain, and sometimes neurologic deficit
Common symptoms
- Sharp, burning, or electric-shock pain radiating from the low back or buttock down the back of the legPain that worsens with sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending
- Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness or difficulty moving the leg or foot (in severe cases)
- Unilateral symptoms are most common; bilateral symptoms suggest more serious pathology
Statistics and prevalence
Estimates vary by study and population; lifetime prevalence ranges widely, with many sources reporting up to ~40% of people experiencing sciatica at some point. Annual incidence and point-prevalence estimates also vary by setting and diagnostic criteria.[1][2]
How Sciatica affects daily life
Limits walking, standing, driving, and ability to work—especially jobs requiring sitting, lifting, or bending
Reduces exercise capacity and participation in hobbies/sports
Sleep disruption from night pain and difficulty finding comfortable positions
Emotional effects: anxiety, frustration, and reduced quality of life when pain is persistent
What is mPNS and how it works
mPNS delivers focused magnetic pulses non-invasively over peripheral nerves or nerve roots to modulate nerve excitability and pain signaling.
Mechanism relevant to sciatica: magnetic stimulation can reduce peripheral sensitization and abnormal nerve firing, interrupt pain pathways, and support normalization of sensorimotor function without drugs or needles
How mPNS can help sciatica
Targeted, non-invasive pain reduction for radicular and peripheral nerve pain
May reduce pain intensity, improve walking tolerance and function, and decrease reliance on medications when combined with rehab
Low systemic side-effect profile compared with long-term medications or systemic injections
Option for patients seeking to avoid or delay invasive procedures
Typical treatment course & what to expect
- Clinical assessment to confirm radicular pain, identify surgical indications, and screen for contraindications (e.g., certain implants).
- Series of brief outpatient mPNS sessions (protocols vary by clinic).
- Patients often notice gradual symptom reduction over days–weeks; best outcomes when mPNS is combined with targeted physical therapy and activity modification.
- Side effects are uncommon and usually mild (temporary local discomfort or tingling).
Who may be a candidate
- Patients with symptomatic sciatica not fully controlled by conservative care or looking for non-invasive adjuncts
- Patients without contraindicated implanted devices or medical exclusions (to be screened by a clinician)
Schedule an evaluation
Speak with our mPNS specialist to determine if mPNS is appropriate for your sciatica and to arrange a clinical evaluation and individualized treatment plan.
