DRG Stimulation in Chicago
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation is a minimally invasive implant that sends mild electrical pulses to the dorsal root ganglion, a cluster of sensory nerves beside the spine that relays pain from one part of the body. It is used for focused nerve pain that is hard to reach with spinal cord stimulation, such as pain in the groin, foot, knee or chest. You try it for about a week before anything is implanted.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Where it’s done
The trial and the implant are performed at Insight Hospital and Medical Center, 2525 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616, and at affiliated outpatient surgery centers. Your consultation, device programming and follow-up visits are at our South Loop or Streeterville office.
What DRG stimulation does
Similar to spinal cord stimulators (SCS), patients can receive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulators, devices that interfere with pain signaling from the DRG, an easy to reach structure in the spine that contains a large amount of sensory nerves.
This method does not eliminate the source of pain but, instead, blocks the sensation so that the patient feels less of it. The device is programmed to provide each patient with settings suited to their condition. In addition, patients are given a remote that they can use to control their DRG stimulator.
Because each dorsal root ganglion serves a specific area of the body, the leads can be placed at the level that matches your pain, so the stimulation stays focused there.
Talk to Dr. Elbaridi about DRG stimulation
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville offices.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Who DRG stimulation is for
Dr. Elbaridi decides whether DRG stimulation fits your pain after your consultation, your exam and your imaging. You may be a candidate if you have:
- complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) types 1 and 2 in the leg or foot
- chronic groin or pelvic nerve pain, including pain after hernia repair
- focused nerve pain in the foot, knee or chest wall
- pain that has lasted six months or longer and hasn’t improved enough with medications, physical therapy, injections or nerve blocks
Who is not a candidate
DRG stimulation may not be appropriate when:
- there is an active infection
- bleeding risk is not adequately controlled
- the pain is widespread rather than in one area
- you are unable to use the remote or come to programming visits
- you are pregnant
- you decide not to go ahead with treatment
Before an implant, many insurers also require a psychological evaluation; we arrange it.
The trial, then the implant
Before a stimulator is implanted, patients are able to trial an external version.
1. The trial
Thin temporary leads are placed next to the dorsal root ganglion through a needle, guided by fluoroscopy, a live X-ray, and connected to a small battery you wear outside the body. You use it at home for about a week while you track your pain and activity. The leads are then removed in the office.
2. The implant
If the trial clearly reduces your pain and helps you do more, the implanted leads and a small battery are placed under the skin through small incisions, usually in the lower back or buttock. The amount of relief provided varies from person to person and, if the trial stimulator is unsuccessful, it can easily be removed and the patient can pursue other forms of treatment.
Anesthesia
The trial is done with local anesthetic and light sedation. The implant is usually done with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or general anesthesia. Every procedure is performed under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance.
How long it takes
The trial placement takes about an hour, and the implant about one to two hours. Most patients go home the same day. If you have sedation or anesthesia, arrange for someone to drive you home.
Recovery
During the trial and for about six weeks after the implant, avoid bending, twisting and heavy lifting so the leads stay in place. Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks of the implant.
After the implant
Programming and follow-up
Your settings are adjusted at follow-up visits, and you use the remote to change them day to day. The battery is replaced or recharged depending on the device; Dr. Elbaridi explains which one fits you.
Tell any doctor about your device before an MRI or another procedure. Many devices allow MRI only under specific conditions.
A bridge to recovery, not a lifelong treatment
We believe movement is the essence of recovery: physical therapy, yoga and strengthening. Pain management is an important intermediate step. It brings pain down enough for you to do the work that keeps you better.
When appropriate, treating the source of the pain is often a better strategy than relying on long-term opioids.
An interdisciplinary plan
Dr. Elbaridi performs the full spectrum of interventional pain management, from diagnostic nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation to minimally invasive spine procedures and implanted devices. Every plan is interdisciplinary: physical therapy, movement and strengthening, coordinated with your primary care doctor and, when needed, a spine surgeon.
Dr. Nidal Elbaridi, MD
- Anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician
- Interventional pain fellowship, Harvard Medical School / Brigham and Women’s Hospital (2016)
- Anesthesiology residency, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County (2015)
- MD, Ross University School of Medicine (2010)
- Former licensed physical therapist (B.S., Indiana University, 1997)
Insurance and prior authorization
- We pre-authorize every procedure, the DRG trial and implant included, before it is scheduled.
- We do not charge out-of-network rates. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit.
Nerve pain after a work injury or accident
Your first visit can happen this week. Procedures are pre-authorized with the carrier before they’re scheduled.
We also accept Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury (Letter of Protection) cases. See Workers’ Comp and personal injury, or call (312) 414-1088.
DRG stimulation questions, answered
How is DRG stimulation different from spinal cord stimulation?
Both are implanted stimulators. Spinal cord stimulation covers wider areas, like the low back and legs; DRG stimulation targets the nerve cluster for one area, which helps with pain in places like the groin, foot or knee.
Do I get to try it first?
Before a stimulator is implanted, patients are able to trial an external version. The trial lasts about a week at home.
Does the stimulation hurt?
No. Most patients feel a mild tingling in the painful area, or nothing at all, depending on the settings.
Can the device be removed?
Yes. The leads and battery can be removed later if you no longer need them.
Can I have an MRI with a DRG stimulator?
Sometimes, under specific conditions that depend on the device. Always tell the MRI team about your stimulator first.
Is DRG stimulation covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on medical necessity, and we verify before your visit. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.
Book your appointment at Loop Medical Center
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.