Have you had chronic pain lasting more than six months?- Is your pain isolated to a specific part of your body, such as your hip, knee, groin, rib, or foot?
- Have you had only partial relief from other pain therapies such as medication, injections, surgery, or traditional neurostimulation?
- Do you have a difficult-to-treat pain condition such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Phantom Limb Pain, or diabetic neuropathy?
If so, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive DRG therapy.
What is DRG Therapy?
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy is a novel neurostimulation therapy intended to manage neuropathic pain in specific areas of the lower body. DRG stimulation involves the implantation of a small device that sends mild electrical impulses to your brain, disrupting pain signals and reducing the amount of pain you feel.
How Does DRG Therapy Work?
DRG stimulation therapy refers to the targeted stimulation of dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). DRGs are small bundles of nerve cells along the spinal column that regulate pain signals and sensations. DRG therapy can target the DRG associated with specific area of the body where a patient experiences pain.
DRG stimulation involves placing a small electrode near the dorsal root ganglion that is connected to a pulse generator. The generator is a battery-powered device, about the size of a matchbox, that is implanted under the skin and sends electrical pulses to the DRG. These pulses can interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
What Happens During a DRG Procedure?
DRG is a safe and reversible procedure that can be performed in an accredited outpatient surgery center . You’ll first undergo a trial procedure in which temporary leads are placed near the DRG (under fluoroscopic guidance) and connected to an external stimulator. The goal of the one-week trial period is to evaluate the effectiveness of DRG stimulation. You will be asked to track your pain relief and functional improvements throughout the trial. The leads will then be removed, and you and your physician will discuss your experience and determine whether a permanent implant is appropriate.
If your trial period is successful, you will then undergo a permanent DRG procedure in which the generator is implanted under your skin. You will receive a small controller with which you can adjust stimulation settings within prescribed limits. Your physician and clinical specialists will monitor you closely in the weeks following your procedure and adjust device settings as needed. The device can also be turned off or removed if needed.
The minimally invasive procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Following a procedure, most patients can resume normal daily activities within a few days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks to ensure optimal healing. Following the initial recovery period, patients can expect long-term pain relief with minimal required maintenance.
Is DRG Covered by Insurance?
Your eligibility for any procedure depends on the benefits outlined by your insurance provider. You will need to undergo a thorough evaluation before undergoing DRG stimulation to ensure you are a good candidate. Insurance providers also require a psychological screening prior to the procedure. The team at Southern Pain and Spine will assist you with the pre-authorization process.
DRG at Southern Pain and Spine
Southern Pain and Spine has the unique distinction of being the only interventional pain practice in Georgia whose physicians have all completed the training required for DRG certification.
DRG therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic nerve pain. We’re excited about the outcomes we’ve seen in our patients and the improvements in their overall functioning and quality of life. Request an appointment to learn more about DRG therapy and to find out if it is the right treatment option for you.
