Perspective: Peripheral nerve stimulation and peripheral nerve field stimulation birds of a different feather.

SCS has positively impacted the life and function of thousands. In contrast, stimulation of the peripheral nervous system, also FDA-approved for limited use, is employed to treat neuropathic pain arising from peripheral nerve dysfunction. Two, distinct therapies exist: 1) Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) therapy, which provides stimulus to a named nerve that innervates an area and 2) Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation (PNfS), which provides stimulus to nonspecific nerve fibers in an area of pain. The roles of these two therapies are currently a hotly debated topic in both the scientific and reimbursement arenas. We delineate the two peripheral nervous system procedures and discuss their respective roles in treating patients.