What to Expect for a Nerve Stimulator Treatment

Jones Chiropractic
3 days ago
2 min read

If you’re coming in for a nerve stimulator appointment at Jones Chiropractic and Functional Medicine, you’re taking a proactive step toward addressing chronic pain and nerve-related symptoms. You may be wondering what actually happens during treatment, so we’ve put together this friendly, clear guide to help you know what to expect and feel confident walking into your visit.

Unlike many traditional pain treatments that mask symptoms, the nerve stimulator works at the source of the problem, the affected nerve itself, to promote metabolic restoration and functional recovery.

Patient History Review

Your session begins with a conversation. We’ll ask you about:

Your medical history
Your current symptoms and pain locations
Any previous treatments you’ve tried

This helps us understand your unique needs and tailor the nerve stimulator therapy just for you.

Identifying the Source of Your Pain

Next, we’ll work together to pinpoint the area where the nerve may be involved in your pain or dysfunction. This often involves a physical evaluation and discussion of what you’ve been feeling. Once we’ve identified the target nerve, we’ll prepare the treatment area by applying a conductive gel on your skin to ensure good contact with the stimulation probe.

Locating the Nerve with the Stimulator Probe

Using a handheld stimulator probe, we’ll gently move around the skin surface to find the exact location of the affected nerve. As we do this:

You may feel no sensation at times
Or a light tingling or pinprick sensation — depending on the nerve and your sensitivity

We’ll adjust the intensity to make sure you’re comfortable. You might also feel a small muscle twitch — this helps confirm we’ve found the correct nerve.

4. The Treatment Itself

Once the nerve is located and you’re comfortable, the nerve stimulator treatment begins. Here’s what to expect:

Duration: About 5–10 minutes per targeted nerve
Sensation: Most patients feel light, gentle pulses, but it’s generally not uncomfortable.

Our goal is to stimulate the nerve in a way that encourages its natural function and supports recovery — all without drugs or invasive procedures.

5. After Your Session

When the session is complete:

Many patients experience immediate improvement in sensation or pain level
Some feel a gradual benefit over the following hours or days
In rare cases, symptoms might momentarily intensify as the body begins its healing response — but this is usually temporary

We’ll talk with you about follow-up sessions and what schedule would be most effective for your condition. Consistency can make a big difference in achieving long-lasting relief.