Dorsal Root Ganglion

Dorsal Root Ganglion Treatment by Dr. Vivek Loomba

 

Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy is specifically designed to treat chronic pain in the lower parts of the body such as the hip, foot, hip, or groin. It is used to treat complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) that causes severe pain and hypersensitivity. It is correlated to spinal cord stimulation that helps in blocking pain signals from the targeted area of the body. 

What is Dorsal Root Ganglion?

A ganglion is a part of the spinal nervous system. It connects the central nervous system to other organs, limbs, and the hip. It basically emerges from the spinal cord and carries sensory information to the receptors toward the central nervous system. It is a part that connects nerves from the dorsal column. It manages both pain and non-pain signals in the central nervous system. 

How does Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy work?

DRG Stimulation works by sending electrical pulses to the Dorsal Root Ganglion. It is a surgical procedure in which small wires with the help of fluoroscopy or MRI is inserted into the spine. These wires are placed in the back. It is connected to a device that is remotely controlled by a low-voltage device and it manages pain signals from the peripheral device to the brain. 

The electric pulses generated through stimulation can cause overactive neurons to return to a more stable state. This therapy helps in the reduction of pain in targeted areas of the body.

DRG Stimulation is stimulated in patients to manage their pain in steps such as-

  • Generator – It is a device connected to a battery that sends out electrical signals. It is implanted in your body. 
  • Leads – It is a small thin wire that carries pulses from your generator to the Dorsal Root Ganglia.
  • Patient Controller – It adjusts the stimulation level from a remote control based on preference.

Disorders Treated with Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy

Dorsal Root Ganglion Therapy is effective in treating specific areas of the body including –

  1. Lower Limb Pain
  2. Knee Pain
  3. Inguinal Region or Groin Pain
  4. Phantom Limb Pain

When you should consider getting treated with Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy

It is recommended to get treatment for Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation if you’re facing –

  • Chronic Pain for more than six months
  • Isolated Chronic Pain in foot, knee, hip, or groin.
  • Ineffective in receiving pain relief from other surgeries, nerve blocks, neurostimulation, and pain management therapies. 

If you’re suffering from such chronic pain then Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) is the best option for providing pain relief and comfort when other therapies have failed to give complete relief for your long-lasting pain.