What Is DRG Therapy and How Does It Work?
An estimated 51.6 million people in the United States experience chronic pain. This pain affects all aspects of life, including your ability to work, cultivate relationships, and do activities that you enjoy.
Here at Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, and the experienced team is dedicated to helping you regain control over your life with personalized treatment plans that help you find relief from chronic pain. We offer advanced therapies to help you get your life back.
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy is an innovative neurostimulation treatment aimed at managing chronic pain that is difficult to treat, particularly in specific areas of the lower body, including the foot, knee, hip, and groin.
If you’re tired of living with chronic pain, contact us today for a consultation and explore how DRG therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
About the dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
The dorsal root ganglion is a cluster of nerve cells along your spinal column that transmits pain signals from the body to the brain. In chronic pain conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or peripheral neuropathy, these signals are amplified, causing ongoing pain even when the original injury has healed.
How DRG therapy works
DRG therapy is a form of neuromodulation that specifically targets these nerve clusters. A small implanted device delivers electrical pulses to the dorsal root ganglion to regulate pain signals. We find the therapy to be particularly effective for hard-to-treat neuropathic pain, offering relief where other methods may have failed.
DRG therapy calms hyperactive nerve signals by delivering mild electrical stimulation to the dorsal root ganglion.
What it’s like to get DRG therapy
DRG therapy starts with the surgical implantation of a pulse generator near your lower spine. We also place small electrodes over the targeted DRG. Usually, we perform this minor surgery on an out-patient basis so you go home the same day.
Once implanted, the device sends low-level electrical pulses to the DRG, disrupting the pain signals before they reach the brain. Most patients don’t feel the stimulation but notice significant pain reduction.
You can adjust the stimulation settings to suit your specific needs, ensuring that you get the most effective and comfortable level of pain relief.
Candidates for DRG therapy
You may be a candidate for DRG therapy if you suffer from:
- Chronic nerve pain in the lower limbs or other localized regions
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) following injury or surgery
- Peripheral causalgia, a burning pain condition caused by nerve trauma
This therapy is particularly effective for those who haven’t found relief from medications, nerve blocks, or spinal cord stimulation.
Benefits of DRG therapy
By focusing on the dorsal root ganglion, this therapy offers precise relief, especially in areas like the lower limbs. The implantation procedure is low-risk compared to other surgical options.
DRG therapy provides an alternative to opioid medications, which can be addictive and have unwanted side effects. For those who haven’t responded to other therapies, DRG can offer long-lasting relief without the risks associated with opioids.
The pain reduction you experience can lead to increased mobility and the ability to enjoy day-to-day activities again.
You can find relief
DRG therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that offers a new path for those who have struggled with long-lasting pain. If you’re ready to explore this innovative option, contact Expert Pain today. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized plan to help you live more comfortably and get back to doing the things you love.