Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is a method of pain management that focuses on improving chronic pain by targeting small, specific groups of neurons and altering their pain signals.
What is the Dorsal Root Ganglion?
The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) or spinal ganglion is a collection of sensory neurons located in the epidural space of your spinal cord. Your nerve roots are connected to the DRG by the dorsal root, which carries sensory information from your arms, legs, neck, and other parts of your body.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation?
You may be a good candidate for DRG stimulation if you have:
- Chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
- Chronic pain in the arms, legs, or groin
- Pain caused by nerve damage
How Does Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Work?
This treatment option uses small electrodes to send tiny electrical currents through your DRG. These currents are used to block pain signals, which help to reduce pain and associated symptoms.
DRG stimulation often helps reduce pain in the:
- Chest
- Hands
- Feet
- Abdomen
- Groin
- Back
Conditions Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Treats
DRG stimulation can help treat a variety of different conditions, one of the most common being complex regional pain syndrome. Other conditions that may be treated with DRG stimulation include:
- Post-herniorrhaphy pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Postamputation pain
