A method and device are provided that detect and identify a neural signal by type and optionally or automatically provide a signal that affects a nerve carrying the neural signal. A plurality of electrodes is positioned along a nerve and monitors the electrical activity of the nerve. The invented system analyzes the monitored data to determine when the monitored activity can be identified as a known type of bioelectric signal, e.g., a pain nerve signal. The system may optionally attempt to affect, disrupt, diminish, nullify or block transmission of bioelectric signals along the nerve, e.g., by directing electrical energy through an electrode to nullify a bioelectric signal along a pain nerve.