Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is a minimally invasive, reversible therapy designed to treat chronic pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments. It targets specific pain areas—such as the groin, pelvis, knee, and lower limbs—with electrical pulses delivered to nerve cells in the dorsal root ganglia. Patients typically experience significant pain relief, a shorter recovery time, and an improved quality of life. With a trial phase, personalized programming, and minimal risk, it’s a safe and effective option for lasting relief.

 

A Breakthrough In Chronic Pain Management

Living with chronic pain affects every part of your life—from your mood and mobility to your relationships and daily tasks. Please do not give up on seeking effective treatments for pain management. When other conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, and injections fail, it’s time to explore advanced options. One of the most promising breakthroughs is Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation.

This innovative, minimally invasive procedure offers targeted relief for patients suffering from neuropathic pain, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and surgery syndrome. If you’re looking for lasting, meaningful pain relief, DRG stimulation could be your solution.

What Is Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation?

Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation, or DRG stimulation, is a form of neurostimulation therapy that delivers electrical pulses to the dorsal root ganglion—a cluster of nerve cells in the spinal column.

Unlike conventional spinal cord stimulation, which targets the general area of the spinal cord, root ganglion stimulation focuses on specific areas of the body where pain originates. This precision allows DRG stimulation to treat conditions that other therapies may not reach effectively, such as groin pain, pelvic pain, knee pain, and pain in the lower limbs.

By stimulating the DRG neurons, the therapy interrupts the pain signals traveling from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. This disruption significantly reduces the brain’s perception of pain.

However, studies show high success rates for both dorsal root ganglion stimulation and traditional spinal cord stimulation. But they differ in the type of pain they are most effective at managing.

How Does the Procedure Work?

 

 

The DRG stimulation process consists of two main stages: a trial phase and a permanent implantation.

1. Trial Phase

First, you undergo a temporary root ganglion stimulation trial. Thin wires (leads) are placed near your dorsal root ganglion using a small needle guided by X-ray. These leads are connected to an external stimulator worn outside the body. Over the next few days, you test the stimulation to evaluate how well it relieves your pain.

If the trial delivers meaningful pain relief, you’ll move on to the next step.

2. Permanent Implant

In the permanent phase, the leads are implanted under your skin, along with a small battery-powered pulse generator. The device sends low-level electrical stimulation to your ganglion neurons, blocking or changing the pain messages sent to your brain.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and is minimally invasive, meaning there’s no need for major surgery or a long recovery time.

What Is The Success Rate Of DRG Stimulator Therapy?

Studies show that DRG stimulation therapy delivers a higher treatment success rate than conventional SCS for certain chronic pain conditions. A randomized comparative trial found that patients with CRPS I and II experienced better outcomes with DRG therapy, particularly in areas such as the groin, knee, and lower extremities.

Here are a few key findings from clinical research:

• Over 70% of patients experience significant pain relief
• Many report improvements in quality of life, sleep, and physical function
• The therapy is especially effective in chronic pain etiologies like neuropathic pain and surgery syndrome

Most importantly, the therapy is reversible. If it doesn’t work for you or causes discomfort, the device can be removed without permanent changes to your spinal cord or nervous system.

What Is the Recovery Time For Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation?

Recovery from DRG stimulation is generally quick and manageable. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients can return home the same day.

Here’s what to expect:

• You may experience mild soreness near the implant site
• Limit heavy lifting or twisting for a few weeks
• You can usually resume light activity within days
• Full recovery and device programming are completed within 2–3 weeks

Follow-up visits help ensure your device is working correctly and providing the best possible pain relief. Adjustments to stimulation levels can be made to match your pain pattern and lifestyle.

Common Fears—And Why You Don’t Need to Worry

Understandably, many patients feel nervous before undergoing any neurostimulation therapy. However, DRG stimulation is one of the safest and most customizable options for treating chronic pain.

Here are common fears—and why they shouldn’t stop you:

Fear Of Surgery

Unlike traditional surgery, DRG stimulation involves no large incisions or long hospital stays. It’s minimally invasive, with a short recovery time.

Fear Of Complications

While every procedure carries some risk, serious adverse effects are rare. Most issues, such as minor discomfort or device movement, can be easily addressed.

Fear It Won’t Work

That’s what the trial phase is for. You get to test the therapy first—no long-term commitment until you know it helps.

Fear Of Losing Control

You have full control over your device. Adjust the stimulation as needed, or turn it off entirely. You’re always in charge.

Who Is A Candidate For Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation?

DRG stimulation is ideal for patients who:

 

 

• Suffer from chronic pain lasting 6 months or longer
• Have not found relief with conservative treatments
• Have pain located in specific areas such as the knee, groin, or pelvis
• Experienced neuropathic pain or complex regional pain syndrome
• Want a non-destructive, reversible treatment option

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, a consultation can help determine the best path forward.

What Makes DRG Stimulation Different From Other Therapies?

Several unique features make dorsal root ganglion stimulation stand out. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation offers targeted pain relief in areas that other therapies can’t reach.

It’s minimally invasive, reversible, and causes no permanent damage to the spinal cord. Clinical data shows effective pain relief in hard-to-treat regions.

With personalized programming and higher success rates, it effectively treats challenging pain conditions where traditional treatments often fall short.

Real Results. Real Relief.

Thousands of patients across the country now experience daily relief thanks to dorsal root ganglion stimulation. They move better, sleep easier, and get back to doing the things they love.

Whether you’re dealing with post-surgical pain, CRPS, or stubborn neuropathic pain, DRG stimulation gives you a new option backed by clinical evidence and supported by the International Association for the Study of Pain.

Don’t Let Chronic Pain Define Your Life

If you’ve tried everything—physical therapy, injections, medications—and still live with chronic pain, it’s time to take a different approach.

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation could be the right new approach. With targeted pain relief, fast recovery, and a reversible implant, you can regain control over your health and lifestyle.

With the right treatment, relief is possible. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting comfort, confidence, and a better quality of life.