DRG Stimulation

Procura Pain and Spine

Pain Management located in The Woodlands, Shenandoah, TX

DRG stimulation uses electrical signals that target the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), a bundle of nerves in your spine. If you have severe pain because of a condition like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), Kenneth Wu, MD, Thomas White, MD, and Yoann Millet, MD, of Procura Pain and Spine offer trial DRG stimulator implantation. A test ensures you'll benefit from the treatment before you commit to the entire implantation procedure. Call Procura Pain and Spine's office in Shenandoah, Texas, or book an appointment online today to find out how DRG stimulation can relieve your pain.

713-352-0949

DRG Stimulation Q & A

What is DRG stimulation?

DRG stimulation uses implantable technology that works by transmitting mild electrical signals to the DRG (dorsal root ganglion) nerves in your spine. These impulses convert pain into tingling feelings known as paresthesia.

DRG stimulation is similar to spinal cord stimulation (SCS) but is more targeted. The team at Procura Pain and Spine implants a small device into your body to send out mild pulses of electricity to your dorsal root ganglion. You can adjust the settings using a remote control.

Why might I need DRG stimulation?

DRG stimulation might be an option worth considering if you have a chronic pain disorder that doesn’t improve using other methods. It's particularly suitable for patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

CRPS can cause extreme pain that typically starts in an arm or leg following some kind of trauma. The symptoms can worsen considerably over time and spread into your other limbs. DRG stimulation is one of the few effective treatment options for CRPS.

Other conditions that might benefit from DRG stimulation include:

Post-amputation pain
Failed back surgery syndrome
Lower abdominal pain
Testicular and groin pain

Your provider at Procura Pain and Spine is likely to begin your treatment for these conditions using conservative methods, which may include physical therapy, stem cell therapy, medication, and various complementary therapies.

More advanced pain relief options that don’t respond to conservative treatments include nerve block, steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation. If you still fail to get relief from your symptoms and your pain originates in the dorsal root ganglion, DRG stimulation might make the difference.

What happens if I want to try DRG stimulation?

If you and your provider at Procura Pain and Spine agree that DRG stimulation is a viable option, the first step is a one-week trial. You still undergo a procedure to fit the electrical leads into the dorsal root ganglion, but instead of implanting the DRG device, your provider gives you an external generator to use.

After living with this trial unit for a week or so, you should have a good idea of whether permanent implantation is worthwhile.

If you want to proceed and your provider agrees you could benefit from permanent DRG stimulation, you have a second procedure to fit long-lasting leads and a generator device that goes under your skin.

Although this is known as permanent DRG stimulator implantation, the procedure is entirely reversible.

To find out if DRG stimulation is a potential answer to your chronic pain, call Procura Pain and Spine or book an appointment online today.