Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

What is dorsal root ganglion stimulation?

DRG stimulation is an innovative method of pain control that targets your dorsal root ganglion to help improve chronic pain by altering pain signals. 

Your DRG is large bundle of sensory nerves found in the epidural space of your spinal cord. Your nerve roots provide sensory information from specific areas of your body to the DRG. Because of the types of sensations fed into the bundle of nerves, DRG stimulation may be able to provide more targeted pain management. 

DRG stimulation is primarily used to help manage pain that doesn’t respond well to other types of pain management techniques due to the location of the pain. DRG stimulation tends to help those with pain that affects their abdomen, chest, hands, feet, or groin area. 

How does DRG stimulation work?

The concept of DRG stimulation is similar to spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The treatment involves the use of an implanted device that sends a low-voltage electric current along your ganglion nerve, which blocks pain sensations to reduce your discomfort. 

Am I a good candidate for DRG stimulation?

Dr. Shah determines if you’re a good candidate for DRG stimulation during a consultation. While very effective at helping to reduce pain, due to the invasive nature of DRG stimulation, Dr. Shah may first recommend conservative treatments for the management of your pain before he recommends DRG stimulation. 

Then, if these methods fail to improve your pain or provide relief that improves your quality of life, he may recommend DRG stimulation.

DRG stimulation has been shown to be an effective treatment for conditions that have been difficult to treat, including:

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that involves altered nerve signals that cause painful sensations in the extremities. For those suffering from CRPS, the pain can be debilitating.

Postamputation pain

Many people experience postamputation pain after losing a limb. The discomfort may generate from the stump or be felt in the limb that’s no longer there. Finding treatments to manage postamputation pain can be difficult.

Researchers have found that DRG stimulation helps those suffering from CRPS and postamputation pain.  

To learn more about the innovative pain management options at the SawWell Institute for Pain Management, including the novel DRG stimulation, schedule a consultation online or by phone today.