DRG stimulation targets the dorsal root ganglion — a cluster of nerve cell bodies located just outside the spinal cord that processes sensory information from a specific body region. By stimulating the DRG directly, this therapy provides precise, targeted pain relief in hard-to-treat areas.
Conditions treated include CRPS Types I and II, post-surgical neuropathic pain, phantom limb pain, and focal peripheral neuropathy. It is especially effective for foot, knee, groin, and abdominal wall pain.
The landmark ACCURATE study showed 74.2% of DRG patients achieving treatment success at 12 months for CRPS, significantly outperforming traditional SCS.
Unlike traditional SCS where leads are placed in the posterior epidural space, DRG leads are threaded through the neural foramen to sit directly on the dorsal root ganglion of the affected spinal level. This provides highly targeted stimulation to the specific nerve root innervating the painful area.
The precise targeting capability of DRG stimulation means patients typically experience relief in focal distributions such as the foot, knee, or groin — areas that are traditionally difficult to cover adequately with conventional SCS.
The DRG trial and implant procedures are similar to traditional SCS but require more precise lead placement through the neural foramen, which takes additional time and technical expertise. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance.
Patients typically experience stimulation in a focused, well-defined area corresponding to the target dermatome. The paresthesia coverage is more discrete than the broad coverage of traditional SCS.
Recovery is similar to traditional SCS with activity restrictions for 6-8 weeks. Patients with foot or leg pain often notice improved mobility and reduced pain with activity.
DRG stimulation is particularly advantageous for patients who require positional relief — stimulation intensity remains consistent regardless of body position changes.
DRG stimulation is FDA-approved for CRPS and peripheral neuropathy. Contraindications include inability to undergo epidural lead placement, active infection, and untreated coagulopathy. A trial period with temporary leads is always performed before permanent implantation.
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