Understanding DRG Neurostimulation: A Targeted Solution for Focal Neuropathic Pain

John K. Hong, M.D. | 6/4/2025

In the evolving landscape of neuromodulation therapies, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurostimulation has emerged as a powerful, highly targeted treatment for certain types of chronic pain. While spinal cord stimulation (SCS) remains a cornerstone for many patients with widespread neuropathic pain, DRG stimulation offers unique advantages for those suffering from focal, region-specific pain syndromes.

What Is DRG Neurostimulation?

DRG neurostimulation is a form of neuromodulation that targets the dorsal root ganglion, a cluster of sensory nerve cell bodies located at each spinal nerve root. The DRG plays a critical role in processing and transmitting pain signals from the periphery to the central nervous system.

Using a minimally invasive procedure, thin electrical leads are placed near specific DRGs associated with the patient’s pain distribution. These leads are connected to a small implanted pulse generator, which delivers precise electrical impulses to modulate abnormal pain signals.

What Conditions Does DRG Stimulation Best Treat?

DRG neurostimulation is especially effective for treating focal and regional neuropathic pain conditions that are often resistant to other therapies. Common indications include:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) I and II

• Causalgia or post-traumatic nerve injury

• Groin pain following hernia repair

• Knee pain after total knee arthroplasty

• Foot pain following surgery or trauma

• Chronic pelvic pain

Studies have shown that DRG stimulation can lead to greater pain relief and improved functional outcomes in CRPS patients compared to traditional SCS.

How Is DRG Stimulation Different from Spinal Cord Stimulation?

While both DRG and traditional SCS aim to treat neuropathic pain through electrical modulation of nerve pathways, they differ in mechanism, targeting precision, and clinical application:

Feature	DRG Stimulation	Spinal Cord Stimulation
Target	Dorsal root ganglia (sensory ganglia)	Dorsal columns of the spinal cord
Pain Coverage	Focal and region-specific	Diffuse, bilateral, or axial
Stability	Less positional variation in stimulation	More susceptible to changes with posture
Lead Placement	Tightly targeted at specific spinal levels	Generally broader coverage over thoracic or cervical cord
Best For	CRPS, post-surgical focal neuropathic pain	Back and leg pain, failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), peripheral neuropathy

Because of its precise targeting, DRG stimulation typically provides more consistent and localized pain relief—especially in areas like the foot, groin, or knee where traditional SCS may fall short.

Clinical Evidence

A landmark study known as the ACCURATE trial (Deer et al., Pain, 2017) compared DRG stimulation to traditional SCS in patients with CRPS and causalgia. Results demonstrated:

• Superior pain relief with DRG at 12 months

• Higher patient satisfaction

• Greater improvements in mood and quality of life

These findings have positioned DRG stimulation as a preferred option for patients with focal neuropathic syndromes unresponsive to other treatments.

Final Thoughts

DRG neurostimulation represents a major advancement in pain medicine, offering hope to patients with difficult-to-treat regional pain syndromes. By delivering targeted neuromodulation directly to the sensory processing center of the spinal nerve, DRG therapy can achieve precise, effective, and durable relief.

As neuromodulation technology continues to evolve, DRG stimulation is likely to become an even more important tool in the interventional pain specialist’s arsenal—especially for conditions like CRPS, where traditional therapies often fail to deliver lasting benefit.

For more information about DRG stimulation, visit the Abbott website by CLICKING HERE