Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation Therapy
Dorsal root ganglion stimulation therapy (DRG) is a method of controlling chronic pain that does not respond to spinal cord stimulation. People with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome often find relief with the targeted nerve stimulation of DRG therapy. Coastal Health uses the St. Jude Medical AxiumTM Neurostimulator System.
Is DRG for Me?
For patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
For patients who are underserved by traditional spinal cord stimulation (SCS), many patients are symptom-free after DRG procedure
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is a largely under-treated and misunderstood disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is defined as moderate to severe pain that persists for one or more months longer than expected for recovery from a specific disease, injury, or surgery. According to the National Institutes of Health, 90 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic pain. The American Pain Foundation estimates that chronic pain costs approximately $100 billion per year in lost work time and health care expenses.
What is CRPS?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that affects a part of the body following an injury or trauma. CRPS is felt to be caused in part by damaged or malfunctioning nerves. CRPS affects how the central and peripheral nervous systems send pain signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Often characterized by prolonged or excessive pain, CRPS can cause mild or dramatic changes in skin color, temperature, and swelling in the affected area.
What is the St. Jude Medical AxiumTM Neurostimulator System?
The AxiumTM Neurostimulator System is the first and only neurostimulation device designed for dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation. By stimulating the DRG, a spinal structure densely populated with sensory nerves that transmit information to the brain via the spinal cord, the St. Jude Medical Axium system delivers a form of spinal stimulation that allows physicians to treat the specific areas of the body where pain occurs. For patients with neuropathic chronic intractable pain associated with CRPS – conditions underserved by traditional SCS – stimulation of the DRG can provide pain relief when previous treatment options have not provided adequate pain relief.