Neurostimulation in pain management

Abstract Pain management may be challenging in those with advanced illness and/or multiple chronic conditions. Despite advances in pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological treatment strategies are needed to optimize analgesic outcomes. Neurostimulation is a promising approach that includes an array of invasive and non-invasive methods suitable for stimulation of selected functional targets at various levels of the neuraxis, from peripheral nerves to the brain. Findings from neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies have facilitated insight into mechanisms that underlie neurostimulation-induced analgesic effects, and propelled advances in neurostimulation technology. The pool of evidence on efficacy of neurostimulation for pain management has greatly increased in the past two decades, and the interest of scientists, medical professionals, and patients in this promising non-pharmacological approach is growing.