Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation

Your spinal nerves consist of two parts: the dorsal root and ventral root. The ventral root typically controls motor functions, while the dorsal root carries sensory information. In the dorsal roots, there are bundles of neurons, which are known as ganglions. These are responsible for sending sensory information, such as pain, to the brain. Research has shown that these ganglions have a key role in transmitting the feeling of pain. When a specific nerve root and ganglion is the cause of your chronic pain condition, an emerging treatment for this pain is to electrically stimulate the dorsal root ganglion.

This therapy requires a minor surgery to insert the device onto the correct nerve bundle. Before installing a permanent implant, however, your doctor will first perform a trial with an electrode placed under x-ray guidance over the specific dorsal root ganglion. The temporary electrode is used for a week to assess the improvement in your pain. If successful, after the trial, a permanent electrode is implanted along the dorsal root ganglion to alter your body’s pain signaling.

Once your surgery is complete, you will receive a controller, which may be in the form of a phone app, that will allow you to send small amounts of electrical stimulation to your dorsal root ganglion, greatly reducing the severity of your pain. Most of the risks involving DRG stimulation are with the surgery itself (infection, bleeding, and temporary pain).

In recent studies, DRG Stimulation therapy shows promise, with participants reporting more pain relief for longer periods of time than traditional spinal cord stimulation when your pain involves a specific nerve level. We at Mountain View Pain Center are always looking into new and exciting treatment options to provide you with lasting pain relief. If you are suffering from chronic pain and nothing has worked, contact us today to learn more!