Spinal Cord Stimulation (also known as “SCS”) therapy has been used to combat chronic pain since 1967. The FDA approved spinal cord stimulation in 1989 for the relief of intractable pain in the torso, arms, and legs.

How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy Work for Chronic Pain?

SCS works by sending mild electrical pulses to nerves along the spinal column. The pulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. SCS therapy essentially tricks the brain into feeling only numbness or a mild tingling sensation, instead of the constant searing agony of incurable chronic pain.

Currently, the primary use of SCS is to help avoid a back surgery that may prove to be futile. The second most common application of SCS is to alleviate the intolerable pain associated with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). SCS is also used to relieve peripheral neuropathic pain related to nerve damage from viral infection, surgery, or diabetes.

But there are more options now for patients suffering from CRPS or failed back surgery syndrome. Unfortunately, more than half of CRPS patients fail to achieve any meaningful pain relief with SCS.

What is Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation?

In February 2016, the FDA approved a new pain relief technique called dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation. While DRG stimulation is similar to spinal cord stimulation, it varies in significant respects:

• In traditional SCS stimulation, electrodes are placed, and pulses are emitted, along the length of the spinal cord
• In DRG stimulation, the electrical pulses travel directly to nerve cells known as dorsal root ganglions. Dorsal root ganglions are the sensory gate for pain signals sent to the brain along the spinal cord

What are the Advantages of DRG Stimulation over Standard SCS stimulation?

• Directed anatomical targeting – DRG stimulation pinpoints the exact nerve that affects the area of pain (the nerve that goes to your abdomen, pelvis, hip, knee, ankle, foot etc)
• Low energy requirements – The DRG is surrounded by a very thin layer of spinal fluid. Because the layer between the stimulator and the dorsal root ganglion is so narrow, DRG stimulation uses only about 10 percent of the energy required for a traditional SCS. This means the batteries lasts longer
• Marginal risk of lead migration – The dorsal root ganglion is tucked in this small space, which reduces the chances of the lead moving and requiring a revision or repair
• Minimal postural effects – Because the dorsal root ganglion is located in such a small space the patient receives the same stimulation –and pain relief – lying down, standing, sitting or walking. The pattern and strength of stimulation can vary with body positioning in SCS patients.

Why Integrative Pain and Spine Institute is your Best Choice for Pain Management?

We approach our work armed with tried and true medical techniques and state-of-the-art regenerative strategies bred from sports medicine and the neurological sciences.

Dr. Manvar is solely dedicated to minimizing or eradicating pain by resolving the underlying conditions that cause the pain. We are proud that we consistently achieve that goal and successfully enhance our patients’ overall quality of life.

To request more information or schedule a consultation, please call (704) 317-1440.