Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulator (DRG)
What is DRG and how does it work?
Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is a non-opioid technology that works to manage difficult to treat chronic pain conditions. The dorsal root ganglion is a bundle of nerves that carries pain signals from your body to your brain. Electrical stimulation of this bundle of nerves can decrease the amount of pain felt by a patient. The DRG stimulation therapy system is made up of parts that are designed to work together to help you manage your pain:
Generator: A small device implanted in your body that sends out mild electrical pulses. The generator also contains a battery.
Leads: Thin insulated wires are also placed in your body around the dorsal root ganglion. These wires carry the electrical pulses from the generator to your dorsal root ganglia, inhibiting the pain signals.
Handheld controller: The patient undergoing this procedure is given a handheld remote control that allows them to adjust the level of pain control, turning the stimulation up or even turning the device off altogether.
What conditions can it treat?
DRG stimulation can be used to treat back pain, neuropathic pain, chronic abdominal pain, chronic pelvic pain, groin pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Phantom Limb pain (post-amputation pain), and peripheral neuropathy.