What Is Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation?
If you suffer from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or other neuropathic pain conditions, you may have heard about dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation as a treatment option. Here at the Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain, we offer DRG stimulation to help relieve chronic nerve pain when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief. In this blog post, we’ll explain what dorsal root ganglion stimulation is, how it works, and who may benefit from this innovative therapy.
What Is the Dorsal Root Ganglion?
If you suffer from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or other neuropathic pain conditions, you may have heard about dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation as a treatment option. Here at the Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain, we offer DRG stimulation to help relieve chronic nerve pain when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief. In this blog post, we’ll explain what dorsal root ganglion stimulation is, how it works, and who may benefit from this innovative therapy.
How Does Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Work?
DRG stimulation works through an implanted device to send mild electrical pulses to the dorsal root ganglion. A thin wire carries electrical impulses to the DRG to stimulate the spinal cord nerves. These impulses interrupt the pain signals before they reach the brain. By disrupting these signals, many patients experience substantial pain relief.
The DRG stimulator device is implanted under the skin in a minimally invasive procedure. It’s controlled by a small, smartphone-sized remote control that allows patients to adjust stimulation as needed for optimal pain relief. Therapy can also be customized via a mobile app connected to the device.
Who is a Good Candidate for DRG Stimulation?
If you have chronic neuropathic nerve pain in the arms, legs, chest, or other areas that hasn’t improved sufficiently with other treatments, DRG may be a good option. It’s most effective for pain localized to a particular part of the body, rather than widespread pain.
The best candidates for dorsal root ganglion stimulation include those suffering from:
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Persistent neuropathic pain after surgery, trauma, chemotherapy, amputation, or shingles
Lower back pain after spine surgery or a spine disorder
Neuropathic leg and foot pain
DRG stimulation may not be appropriate for those with non-neuropathic pain or medical devices like pacemakers. Our pain specialists can help determine if this therapy may help relieve your chronic nerve pain.
What are the Benefits of DRG Stimulation for Nerve Pain?
Potential benefits of DRG stimulation include:
Significant reduction in pain, allowing better function and quality of life
Fewer systemic side effects compared to nerve pain medications
Adjustable therapy customized to each patient’s pain patterns
A reversible option if stimulation provides insufficient relief
Positive impacts on sleep, mood, and ability to engage in activities
What Does the Implantation Process Involve?
The initial DRG stimulator implantation procedure takes about 1-2 hours with minimal recovery time. It’s usually done under light anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Using x-ray guidance, our specialists insert one or more thin wires through a small nick in the skin, guiding them to the targeted dorsal root ganglion.
The wire connects to a small electrical pulse generator implanted under the skin. After about 1-2 weeks of healing, the device is activated and programmed during a follow-up appointment. Stimulation intensity can then be adjusted over several additional visits for maximum pain relief.
Relief May Be Within Reach with DRG Stimulation
At the Chicago Institute for Neuropathic Pain, our goal is to reduce suffering from chronic nerve pain using innovative options like dorsal root ganglion stimulation. If you live with CRPS, surgery-related pain, or other neuropathic conditions, DRG therapy may allow you to reclaim your quality of life.
To learn more about dorsal root ganglion stimulation and determine if it may help your pain, schedule a consultation with our specialists. New hope and relief may be closer than you think!