Treatments

Living with chronic nerve pain can be exhausting. It can limit your ability to move, sleep, or even just enjoy everyday life. At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we offer Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation which is at treatment that’s designed to help patients regain function and long-term relief.

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What Is DRG Stimulation?

DRG Stimulation is a type of neuromodulation therapy that works by calming the specific nerves causing your pain. It targets a group of sensory nerves called the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which sits near the spinal cord and plays a key role in sending pain signals to your brain. A small device is implanted to send gentle electrical impulses to those nerves. This disrupts the pain signals before they reach your brain, significantly reducing chronic pain. 

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DRG Stimulation is helpful for:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Nerve pain after surgery
• Post-amputation pain
• Other types of nerve-related pain that haven’t responded to other treatments

DRG stimulation is a more targeted option than traditional spinal cord stimulation, making it ideal for pain that’s focused in a specific area.

Learn more about pain therapy treatments at Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists.

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Who can benefit from DRG Stimulation?

You might be a good candidate if:

• standard treatments have been unsuccessful.
• Your pain is nerve-related and centered in one area like the lower limbs, groin, or post-surgical areas 
• You’ve found spinal cord stimulation ineffective
• Your pain is impacting your ability to work, move, or enjoy daily life

Explore other non-surgical pain treatments for nerve pain relief.

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Our team will walk you through a full evaluation to determine if DRG Stimulation is appropriate based on medical history, diagnostic tests, and the location of pain.

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How the Procedure Works

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Trial Phase
Before committing to a permanent implant, you’ll do a trial run. A temporary DRG stimulator is placed near the affected nerves for about a week to determine  how effective it is in reducing pain.  

If the trail is successful, we move forward with the permanent version.

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Permanent Implantation
The permanent device is implanted during a short outpatient procedure. Using local anesthesia and mild sedation, we place a small pulse generator and a set of thin leads near the target nerves. You’ll have a handheld remote to control the level of stimulation, so you can adjust it based on how you’re feeling.

Most people start feeling relief within just a few days.

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Learn more about spinal cord stimulation and related therapies.

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Benefits of DRG Simulation

Unlike other conventional pain treatments, DRG Stimulation provides highly targeted relief, reducing pain in areas that are difficult to treat with any other methods.

• Minimally invasive with quick recovery
• Personalized pain management with adjustable stimulation settings
• Less dependence on medications (especially opioids)
• Long term relief for chronic nerve related pain

Many patients who have undergone DRG Stimulation report a huge improvement in mobility and daily function, allowing them to return to activities that were previously too painful for them.

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Read about other advanced pain management techniques.

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What to Expect After the Procedure

You’ll go home the same day and should be back to light activity within a week. The device is fully customized to each patient’s pain pattern, allowing adjustments over time to optimize relief.

Regular follow-up visits ensure that the device remains effective and properly programmed. Some patients require occasional reprogramming to maintain optimal pain control. Unlike temporary treatments, DRG Stimulation can provide lasting relief for years, significantly improving quality of life.

For those looking for an alternative to traditional spinal cord stimulation or medication-based pain management, DRG Stimulation offers a long-term solution without major surgery.

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FAQs

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How long does it take to see results?
Usually within a few days after the device is turned on, and improvement continues over the next few weeks as the body adjusts to the stimulation.

Is the procedure covered by insurance?

Most insurance providers cover DRG Stimulation if other treatments haven’t worked. Our team will help verify your coverage and walk you through the process.

What are the risks or side effects?
Like any procedure, DRG Stimulation carries some risks, including minor discomfort at the implant site, infection, or lead migration. However, complications are rare, and most patients tolerate the treatment well. We’ll go over everything with you before the procedure.

How is this different from traditional spinal cord stimulation?
DRG Stimulation targets pain more precisely — especially in the  especially effective for pain in the lower limbs, pelvis, and post-surgical areas that other treatments can’t reach as well.

Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists is a leader in interventional pain management, offering high. Quality treatments for chronic pain. Our team specializes in neuromodulation therapies like DRG Stimulation, ensuring patients receive the most effective, personalized pain relief options available.

• Expert pain specialists trained in advanced neuromodulation techniques
• High quality and advanced technology for precise, effective pain relief
• Comprehensive pain management approach for long-term wellness

If chronic pain is running your life, Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG ) Stimulation might provide you the relief you need.