DRG stimulation is a pain management treatment option that provides pain relief for neuropathic conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome, pelvic pain, groin neuralgia, extremity pain, and other nerve pain in isolated parts of the body that failed to respond to former conservative treatment options. DRG stimulation treats chronic pain in areas previously difficult to treat with traditional spinal cord stimulation. During the implantation of a DRG stimulator, healthcare professionals implant the device on the dorsal root ganglion. The spinal cord has many dorsal root ganglions, which means physicians can place the stimulator on any of these to better target specific painful regions.

The dorsal root ganglion contains a pulse generator, leads, and an external remote controller. Healthcare professionals will insert the pulse generator under the skin near the buttocks or abdomen and attach the leads to the pulse generator and tissues near the target treatment area. The pulse generator is the stimulator’s internal battery pack that sends signals to the leads, providing low-grade electrical stimulation to block pain signals from leaving the dorsal root ganglions. Patients using these devices report feeling a tingling sensation in painful areas instead of direct pain signals. Patients can control the intensity of the electrical stimulation with their external remote control.

Neurostimulation therapy is less invasive than traditional back surgery and is often a last resort treatment option before back surgery.