DRG Stimulation Explained: A Precise Answer for Focal Nerve Pain │ Vertrae® 360 (Ep. 42)

What happens when pain stays trapped in one specific area long after the original injury has healed?

In this episode, we explore dorsal root ganglion stimulation, or DRG-S, a highly targeted neuromodulation therapy designed for certain types of chronic localized nerve pain, including complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS. Unlike pain caused by a visible structural injury on imaging, localized nerve pain can come from a processing error in the nervous system itself — specifically within the dorsal root ganglion, the sensory “mailroom” that helps process pain signals from a specific region of the body.

We break down why traditional imaging may look normal even when pain is severe, how CRPS can cause burning pain, color changes, temperature differences, swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch, and how clinicians use tools like the Budapest criteria to evaluate this condition. You’ll also learn how DRG stimulation differs from traditional spinal cord stimulation, why it may be more precise for focal pain, and what patients can expect from the trial phase before considering a permanent implant.

This conversation also covers the ACCURATE trial, long-term outcomes, possible limitations, lead migration, insurance considerations, and why careful patient selection matters. For patients with pain that burns, shoots, or stays locked in one specific area after an injury or surgery, DRG-S may offer a more targeted path worth discussing with a specialist.

At Vertrae® in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Kamal Woods personally evaluates candidates for DRG stimulation. When appropriate, DRG-S trials and implants are performed at Vertrae® Surgery Center in Miamisburg, a spine-exclusive outpatient facility.

Visit Vertrae.com to request a MotionFirst™ evaluation.