Dorsal root ganglion stimulation involves a minor surgical procedure, during which small wires are carefully inserted into the spine using fluoroscopy or MRI. The wires are connected to a small device, which is implanted in the back (similar to a pacemaker for the heart).
Once the wires and device are in place they can be controlled by a remote to transmit low voltage electrical pulses, which interrupt pain messages traveling from the peripheral nerves to the brain.
The electrical pulses can cause overactive neurons to return to a more settled state, resulting in a reduction in the sensation of pain within a particular area of the body.
Prior to surgical implantation of the wires and device a trial can be conducted to determine a patient's responsiveness to the therapy.