Dorsal Root Ganglion Therapy in Paramus, West New York, and Union, New Jersey
A dorsal root ganglion, or DRG, is a dense cluster of nerves on the spinal cord – and it’s the key to solving chronic pain. At Bergen Pain Management, we use DRG therapy to target your chronic pain at its source and provide much-needed relief. Visit us at our offices in Paramus, West New York, or Union, New Jersey, to find out more about how DRG therapy can help your condition.
What Is Dorsal Root Ganglion Therapy?
DRGs are located along the spine, at nerve roots where major clusters connect with the spinal cord. They function as biological switchboards that regulate sensory signals on their way to the brain. Each one is responsible for monitoring signals from a different part of the body.
Dorsal Root Ganglion stimulation is a minimally invasive spine procedure that targets the DRG. It is composed of two parts: a battery pack, or generator, and insulated wires called leads. The generator is implanted into the body while the leads are placed over various dorsal root ganglia. Patients can activate the generator with a controller, and when they do, it sends electric impulses through the leads to the DRGs. This will intersect the pain signals before they reach the spinal cord and prevent them from traveling to the brain.
By identifying a specific DRG, the therapy can precisely target pain in specific areas of the body. Doctors can focus the treatment exactly where pain occurs instead of taking a more generalized approach, such as SCS. This can yield more effective results for patients.
How DRG Therapy Helps
DRG therapy is a treatment designed for patients with chronic pain. When other treatments fail, DRG therapy may offer some relief. It’s especially helpful for isolated pain in specific parts of the body, particularly the lower areas. This includes pain from conditions like:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS-I and CRPS-II)
- Diabetic or cancer-related neuropathy
- Pain after amputations
- Previous fractures and injuries
More and more medical professionals are acknowledging DRG therapy as an important alternative to opioid medications. It’s safe, effective, and doesn’t cause drug tolerance or reliance – all significant benefits.
When To Consider DRG Therapy
Though DRG therapy comes with a range of advantages, it’s not right for everyone. Always talk with your doctor about whether a medical procedure is right for your condition. DRG therapy in particular is best for specific kinds of chronic pain, especially if you relate to any of the following statements:
- Your chronic pain has lasted for several months or more.
- Pain is isolated in the foot, knee, hip, groin, or other lower parts of the body.
- Traditional stimulation, surgery, pain medications, or therapies have failed.
To find out whether you can benefit from DRG therapy, consult with Dr. Thomas Ragukonis at Bergen Pain Management. When it comes to treating chronic pain, he has over 25 years of experience and is familiar with the most recent breakthroughs in a variety of treatments. Contact us today in Paramus, West New York, or Union, NJ, to learn more or schedule an appointment.