Is Your Pain Coming From the DRG? | Vertrae® 360 Spine Talk (Ep. 32)

What if your chronic pain is not “unexplainable” — but coming from one tiny, specific structure near the spine?In this episode of Vertrae® 360 Spine Talk, we explore dorsal root ganglion stimulation, or DRG-S, a precision neuromodulation therapy designed for highly localized nerve pain. The conversation breaks down how the dorsal root ganglion acts like a sensory “tollbooth” between the body and spinal cord, and why this small cluster of nerve cells may become hyperactive after injury, surgery, or complex regional pain syndrome.Unlike traditional spinal cord stimulation, which treats broader pain patterns, DRG stimulation targets a specific nerve territory — making it especially relevant for patients with focal pain in areas such as the foot, knee, groin, pelvis, or lower extremity. The episode also discusses the landmark ACCURATE trial, where DRG-S showed strong outcomes for patients with lower-extremity CRPS, including higher responder rates than conventional SCS in the studied population.You’ll also hear why DRG-S is not for every kind of chronic pain, why patient selection matters, what a temporary trial looks like, and why a consultation should be about getting a clear answer — whether that answer is DRG-S, spinal cord stimulation, or another treatment path entirely.Topics covered include: Dorsal root ganglion stimulation, or DRG-S DRG stimulation for CRPS Focal neuropathic pain Post-surgical nerve pain Chronic groin and pelvic pain Foot, knee, leg, and lower-extremity nerve pain DRG stimulation vs spinal cord stimulation The ACCURATE trial Paresthesia-free pain relief Temporary DRG stimulation trials Neuromodulation in Dayton, Ohio Dr. Kamal Woods and Vertrae® Surgery CenterDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.