Using DRG Stimulation Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain
Using DRG Stimulation Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain
Published: March 14, 2022
Do you suffer from chronic pain? If so, you are not alone. Approximately 20% of people in the United States experience some type of chronic pain, and that number is only increasing. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help ease the burden of this condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the use of DRG stimulation to treat chronic pain.
What is DRG Stimulation Therapy?
DRG stimulation is a relatively new treatment option for chronic pain. It involves the use of a device that sends electrical impulses to the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which are located in the spine. These impulses help to block or reduce the pain signals that are sent to the brain.
This type of stimulation has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as chronic back pain, neck pain, and neuropathic pain. It is also a safe and minimally invasive treatment option, which makes it a good choice for those who are reluctant to undergo surgery or other traditional treatments.
What Conditions Can It Treat?
The conditions that DRG stimulation is known to treat include:
Neck Pain: chronic neck pain can be caused by herniated discs, arthritis, or osteoporosis. This treatment option has also been shown to provide relief for patients who suffer from migraines and tension headaches.
Chronic Back Pain: this condition occurs when pain persists for more than three months. It is the most common type of chronic pain and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injuries, arthritis, and sciatica.
Neuropathic Pain: this condition is caused by damage to or dysfunction of the nervous system. It can manifest as a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the extremities.
How Does DRG Stimulation Compare to Other Treatment Options?
DRG stimulation is a relatively new treatment option, so there is not a lot of data comparing it to other treatments. However, some studies have shown that it is as effective as surgery for treating chronic back pain and neck pain. It can also provide similar benefits as other therapies, such as TENS.
Another benefit of this treatment option is that it provides a non-opiate approach to pain relief. Opiates are highly addictive and they can lead to serious side effects if they are overused. Because DRG stimulation works on the nerve receptors in the spinal cord, it can provide pain relief without the same risks as opiates.
In addition, this treatment option has a low risk of serious side effects and complications when compared to other traditional treatments. In fact, some studies have shown that DRG stimulation is even safer than TENS therapy because there are no adverse effects on nerve function or muscles with this type of treatment.
However, this type of stimulation is not suitable for everyone who suffers from chronic pain. It works best when the source of a patient’s pain can be pinpointed to one specific location in the spine and DRG stimulation does not provide relief that extends beyond that point.
Conclusion
DRG stimulation is a new, safe, and minimally invasive treatment option for chronic pain. It has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as neck pain, chronic back pain, and neuropathic pain. This type of stimulation provides relief without the risks associated with opiates and other traditional treatments.
If you are suffering from chronic pain and would like to discuss the potential benefits of DRG stimulation, contact Texas Pain Experts today by filling out the form below: