DRG Stimulation

The DRG is responsible for communicating all sensory information from your peripheral extremities to your central nervous system (spine and brain). DRG stimulation provides a more effective and specific treatment approach, allowing our physicians to target pain signals at the specific nerve root(s) corresponding to the area of pain. DRG stimulation is often more helpful in treating focal pain (pain in a specific area) than other versions of neuromodulation. By reducing or eliminating the transmission of pain signals to the brain, DRG stimulation will significantly reduce pain, leading to increased activity levels, and decreased dependence on pain medications, and improved quality of life.

IS DRG STIMULATION (SCS) RIGHT FOR ME?

Patients selected for this procedure usually have nerve pain for at least 6 months and have failed to improve with more conservative therapies like injections, medications, and physical therapy. Often, patients have had surgery which has also failed to control their pain.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE?

A DRG stimulator has 2 parts, the electrodes (leads) that deliver the current to the DRG (nerve) and the pulse generator (battery).

THE TRIAL PROCEDURE:

A unique component of DRG stimulation is that there is a 7-day trial period to determine if this therapy will be successful for you. During the trial phase, the electrodes are temporarily placed through a needle via access to the epidural space (much like during an epidural steroid injection). During this time, the system will work exactly like an implanted system, but without any incisions, cuts, or permanent placement. At the end of the trial period, the temporary leads are easily removed in the office. If the temporary trial relieved your pain and helped improve your activity levels, then you would be a good candidate for implantation of a DRG stimulator.

THE IMPLANTATION PROCEDURE:

The actual implant is performed as outpatient surgery. The leads are placed the same way they are placed during the trial phase. Then, a small incision (less than 1 inch) is made so that the leads can be placed under the skin. A second, 1.5-inch incision is made below the waistline and a pocket is made beneath the skin for the battery. The leads are then connected to the battery and then the incisions are closed. Once the surgery is complete, the entire spinal cord stimulation system is under the skin and usually not noticeable.

AFTER TREATMENT

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

The goal for spinal cord stimulation is a significant reduction in pain along with improvement in daily activities, mood, sleep, and reliance on pain medication. The recovery period after implantation is fairly short. Most patients can shower within 72 hours and can return to work within 1 week. The incisions are largely healed within 2 weeks. We ask our patients to limit certain strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks and then can return to full activity by 6 weeks after surgery.

Common Conditions Treated by DRG Stimulation: