Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Interventional Pain Management Physicians located in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Brandon, Riverview, Ormond Beach, and Port Orange, FL

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation uses a small implant to calm pain signals at their source, providing long-lasting relief from chronic pain. At Florida Pain Medicine, with offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Brandon, and Riverview, Florida, our renowned interventional pain management specialists use cutting-edge technology, like DRG stimulation, to ease pain and maximize quality of life. Call the nearest office or schedule a consultation online today.

Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Q&A

What is dorsal root ganglion stimulation?

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation relieves nerve pain affecting specific small areas of the body. It uses a tiny implanted device to deliver electrical pulses to the nerve roots where the pain starts. This disrupts the signals and can dramatically reduce pain.

Which types of pain does DRG stimulation treat?

DRG stimulation typically treats localized pain in the lower body. The most common target treatment areas are:

Groin
Hips
Knees
Feet
Pelvis

DRG can also treat chronic back pain.

How does DRG stimulation work?

Your body has a pair of dorsal root ganglia at every spinal level. These clusters of nerve cell bodies deliver sensation to specific parts of the body.

DRG stimulation targets the source of pain by delivering electrical pulses directly to the affected nerve pathways.

This disrupts the pain signals before they reach the brain. While the pain signals can still trigger, you won’t perceive them or will experience them on a much-reduced level.

Am I a candidate for DRG stimulation?

Candidates for DRG stimulation are usually people who have experienced chronic pain for six months or longer. We generally recommend DRG stimulation only if you’ve already pursued more conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication management, or injections.

Do I need a DRG trial first?

Yes, you’ll start with a short trial using temporary leads to see if DRG stimulation eases your pain. If it reduces your pain by 50% or more, the providers typically consider the trial a success.

From there, the Florida Pain Medicine providers will schedule a second procedure to place the permanent device. Most people find the procedure easy to handle and recover quickly.

How do DRG and spinal cord stimulation differ?

Both treat neuropathic pain using electrical pulses. DRG targets specific nerve roots that supply smaller areas of pain, like the foot or knee.

While DRG focuses on one specific painful spot, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) affects broader spinal cord pathways and larger areas of the body.

What is recovery like after DRG stimulator placement?

Recovery is generally smooth. Patients often return to light activity within several days. You’ll have follow-up visits to fine-tune your DRG stimulator to your pain relief needs.

Don’t let chronic pain control your life. Call Florida Pain Medicine today or make an appointment online to explore dorsal root ganglion stimulation.