What is DRG Stimulation: Patient Review
What is DRG Stimulation and Why Is It Used to Treat Focal Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain, which is defined as pain that persists for more than three to six months, can be debilitating and difficult to treat.
Focal chronic pain, which is pain localized to a specific area of your body, can be especially challenging. But recent medical advancements have allowed us to target the underlying cause of pain in certain conditions, providing long-term relief.
One such technology is known as Proclaim DRG Stim therapy, a novel neuromodulation therapy that targets and relieves pain at its source. DRG stands for dorsal root ganglion. The dorsal root ganglion, or DRG, is a cluster of nerve cells along each side and level of the spine that control pain signals from specific areas of the body. DRG stimulation focuses on these nerves to provide targeted pain relief in difficult-to-treat areas.
What Are the Benefits of Proclaim DRG Therapy?
There are several benefits to Proclaim DRG therapy. First, DRG therapy is able to achieve superior and long-term pain relief for patients with CRPS, both type 1 and 2, in areas including the pelvis, groin, hip, knee, ankle, and foot.
The therapy can also provide relief without the tingling sensation felt with traditional neurostimulation. It works by targeting the DRGs that are involved in localized pain, providing relief for specific areas of the body.
In addition, the Proclaim DRG neurostimulation system has a battery life of up to 6.5 years at nominal settings without ever needing to charge the system. The system is controlled using Apple mobile digital devices with upgradable technology, so the latest advancements in chronic pain therapy can be delivered via software updates without the need for surgery.
Finally, patients can try the system before committing to an implanted system with a temporary evaluation. Patients can see if the therapy provides meaningful pain relief, improves their ability to perform daily activities, and improves sleep.
DRG Therapy Patient Reviews: What To Know Before You Get DRG Therapy
Living with chronic pain can be debilitating and exhausting. The constant presence of pain can interfere with daily activities, work, and quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments available for chronic pain. A DRG neurostimulator stimulates the dorsal root ganglion and is an option for those living with chronic pain. DRG therapy reviews from patients can be useful for gaining insight into what to expect before undergoing the therapy.
John G is one such patient who was living with chronic ankle and foot pain from a 2002 fracture. He shared his experience with DRG therapy and what it was like living with pain before receiving DRG therapy. According to John, the pain was getting so severe that it was affecting his work and it was almost time for him to quit playing golf and stop doing yard work. He saw two different surgeons, who both recommended taking the metal out of his ankle to help relieve the pain.
Fortunately, John found relief with DRG therapy. He said that the pain was 95% relieved after 24-36 hours of the therapy. His quality of life is much improved, and he no longer thinks about the ankle pain. All told, he found DRG therapy to be “a great thing” and recommends that others living with ankle and foot pain try it.
If you’re considering DRG therapy, then watch below as Dr. Manzi chats with John about his amazing results:
What Is Involved in the Proclaim DRG Therapy Process?
If you think you may benefit from Proclaim DRG therapy, the first step is an evaluation with your doctor. He or she will determine whether you are a candidate for the therapy.
The second step is a temporary evaluation. This allows you to try the device and see if it works for you before committing to an implanted system. The trial of the therapy evaluates whether meaningful relief has been achieved, daily activities have been improved, and sleep has been improved.
The third and final step is the actual implant. The system is placed under the skin with the electrodes overlying the DRG for long-term relief of chronic pain.
Conclusion
For those living with any form of focal pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), DRG stimulation can provide massive relief. By targeting specific DRGs in your spinal column that correlate to your area of pain, Proclaim DRG therapy can provide pain relief in specific areas where traditional neurostimulation systems have been unsuccessful. Try it out today to see if it is the right treatment for you.
If you have pain due to CRPS and would like to explore minimally and non-invasive treatment options, Performance Pain and Sports Medicine would be happy to arrange a consultation with Dr. Matthias Wiederholz or Dr. Suzanne Manzi who are available for the DRG Stimulation and other minimally invasive procedures in Houston, TX, League City, TX, and Lawrenceville, NJ.
Contact Us today and our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to the daily activities you enjoy.