Complex regional pain syndrome, chronic knee pain, groin pain, and other difficult-to-treat conditions often fail to respond to traditional therapies. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation offers a breakthrough in precision pain relief. At Keith Schmidt, MD, in Hoffman Estates, IL, Dr. Schmidt uses this advanced neuromodulation technology to target pain at its source. Call (847) 981-3630 or schedule your consultation online today.
What is dorsal root ganglion stimulation?
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation is a next-generation neuromodulation therapy designed for highly targeted chronic pain relief. The dorsal root ganglion is a bundle of sensory nerve cell bodies located just outside the spinal cord that acts as a gateway for pain signals traveling from the body to the brain.
By placing a small electrode directly at the DRG, Dr. Schmidt can deliver focused electrical stimulation that modulates pain signals from a very specific body region — such as the foot, knee, hip, or groin — without affecting surrounding areas. This precision makes DRG stimulation a powerful tool for pain conditions that are difficult to treat with conventional spinal cord stimulation.
How is DRG stimulation different from spinal cord stimulation?
While traditional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) delivers broad electrical stimulation across the spinal cord, DRG stimulation targets a specific nerve cluster responsible for pain in a defined body area. Key differences include:
- Greater precision — DRG stimulation provides targeted relief to a specific region like the foot, knee, or groin
- Less positional variability — stimulation remains consistent whether you are sitting, standing, or lying down
- Reduced stimulation spillover — less likelihood of unwanted tingling in non-painful areas
- Better outcomes for focal pain — clinical studies show superior results for CRPS and other localized pain conditions
Dr. Schmidt is experienced in both SCS and DRG stimulation and will recommend the approach best suited to your specific pain pattern.
What conditions does DRG stimulation treat?
DRG stimulation is FDA-approved and particularly effective for:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Types I and II
- Chronic post-surgical pain (knee replacement, hernia repair, thoracotomy)
- Groin pain and inguinal neuralgia
- Chronic knee pain
- Foot pain and peripheral neuropathy
- Hip pain
- Phantom limb pain
- Causalgia
Dr. Schmidt conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether DRG stimulation is the right therapy for your condition, including diagnostic nerve blocks and imaging review.
Am I a good candidate for DRG stimulation?
You may be an ideal candidate for DRG stimulation if you experience chronic pain localized to a specific body area that has not improved with conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or nerve block injections. DRG stimulation is especially beneficial for patients with CRPS or post-surgical pain in the lower extremities.
During your consultation, Dr. Schmidt — who is triple board-certified in pain management, anesthesiology, and physical medicine & rehabilitation — will create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique pain condition and goals.
What should I expect during the procedure?
DRG stimulation involves two phases. First, a trial period lasting 5-7 days allows you to experience the therapy before committing to a permanent implant. During the trial, Dr. Schmidt places temporary leads near the dorsal root ganglion using fluoroscopic guidance. You wear an external generator and track your pain relief.
If the trial provides meaningful improvement (typically 50% or greater pain reduction), Dr. Schmidt proceeds with permanent implantation. The permanent procedure involves placing the leads and a small battery-powered generator under the skin, usually in the buttock or lower abdomen area. Both procedures are performed as outpatient under light sedation.
What results can I expect?
Clinical studies demonstrate that DRG stimulation provides significant, sustained pain relief for the majority of patients. Many experience 50-80% pain reduction, with improvements in function, sleep quality, and reduced need for pain medications. The therapy is adjustable and reversible, giving you ongoing control over your pain management.
With a 4.9-star rating from over 600 Google reviews, Dr. Schmidt is trusted by patients throughout the Chicagoland area for advanced neuromodulation therapies. To learn more about DRG stimulation, call (847) 981-3630 or schedule your consultation online today.