DRG Block and PRF

Dorsal Root Ganglion Block and Pulsed

Radiofrequency for Nerve Pain and Sciatica Relief

Nerve related pain and sciatica can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Traditional treatments often provide limited relief, leading to the exploration of advanced interventional techniques. Among these, Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Block and Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) have emerged as effective modalities.

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we specialize in interventional pain management, offering cutting-edge treatments like DRG Block and PRF to help patients regain control over their lives.

What is Dorsal Root Ganglion Block?

Imagine a big road running up to the bus depot. Along this road, there are small bus stops. The specific bus stops receive buses from the specific areas only.

Now imagine a

big road as a spinal cord,
bus depot as brain,
bus stop as dorsal root ganglion and
bus from specific area as pain signal from specific area of the body.

So, the Dorsal Root Ganglion (bus stop) is at the spinal cord (big road) that receives pain signals (buses) from specific areas of the body and then sends them to the brain (bus depot) along the spinal cord.

Dorsal root ganglion block is like stopping the bus at the bust stop and not allowing it to reach the bus depot; i.e. stopping a pain signal at the spinal cord and not allowing it to reach the brain. A DRG Block involves injecting medicines near the DRG to interrupt pain signals, providing pain relief.

What is Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF)?

PRF is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers short bursts of radiofrequency energy to the DRG without causing nerve damage. PRF modulates nerve function, reducing pain while preserving nerve integrity.

Indications for DRG Block and PRF

DRG Block and PRF are especially useful when chronic neuropathic pain is localized to specific areas supplied by specific spinal nerves. They are often recommended when conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy have failed.

1. Chronic Radicular Pain and Sciatica i.e. pain which radiates from the spine to the legs or arms due to nerve root irritation or inflammation.

2. Post-Herpetic Neuralgia i.e. persistent nerve pain following shingles (herpes zoster infection).

3. Neuropathic Groin or Inguinal Pain such as after hernia repair surgery or Cesarean delivery.

4. Intercostal Neuralgia i.e. pain arising from the intercostal nerve which can occur on its own or after rib fracture or thoracic surgery.

5. Phantom Limb Pain i.e. persistent pain after the limb is amputated.

6. Peripheral Nerve Injuries – Especially after trauma or surgical injury where a specific nerve root is affected.

The Procedure of DRG Block and PRF

Before the Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Block or Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) procedure begins, you’ll have a detailed consultation with our interventional pain specialist. They’ll review your medical history, imaging and pain symptoms to determine the exact level of DRG involvement.

1. Pre-Procedure Preparation

○ You’ll lie on an operating room table in a sterile environment, typically in a fluoroscopy (X-ray) suite.

○ A local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin and deeper tissues near the target area.

2. Image-Guided Needle Placement

○ Using real-time fluoroscopy (X-ray), the pain physician carefully inserts a fine needle near the dorsal root ganglion.

○ The location is confirmed using a contrast dye to ensure precision and safety.

3. Injection or PRF Treatment

○ For DRG Block: A combination of medications is injected near the DRG to reduce inflammation and block pain signals.

○ For PRF: After positioning the needle near the DRG, a specialized radiofrequency probe is inserted to deliver short bursts of controlled energy. This modulates the pain-conducting nerves without damaging them.

4. Monitoring and Recovery

○ The entire procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.

○ After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short time before being discharged.

○ You’ll need someone to drive you home and most patients return to regular activities within a day or two.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Both DRG blocks and PRF are considered safe, minimally invasive procedures. But like any medical intervention, there are some associated risks and side effects. At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we prioritize patient safety and minimize complications with experienced hands and advanced imaging technology.

Common and Temporary Side Effects:

● Localized pain or soreness at the injection site

● Numbness or tingling in the area served by the targeted DRG

● Temporary increase in pain before relief sets in

● Infection at the injection site, rarely

● Bleeding or hematoma formation, rarely

● Allergic reaction to medications used

Our interventional pain team thoroughly discusses these risks with each patient and provides clear post-procedure instructions to support safe healing.

Benefits of DRG Block and PRF

1. Targeted Pain Relief by focusing on specific nerve roots responsible for pain, leading to more effective outcomes.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures requiring only small needle insertions, which reduces the risk of complications and promotes quicker recovery.

3. Preservation of Nerve Function

4. Reduced Dependence on Medications

5. Day-care Procedures

6. Quick Recovery Time as patients often experience minimal downtime, resuming normal activities shortly after the procedure.

7. Repeatable Treatments – If pain recurs, these procedures can be safely repeated, offering ongoing management options.

8. High Patient Satisfaction – Many patients report significant improvements in pain levels and quality of life following these treatments.

Conclusion

Dorsal Root Ganglion Block and Pulsed Radiofrequency are valuable treatment options in the management of chronic pain. Their targeted, minimally invasive nature offers significant benefits, including effective pain relief and improved quality of life.

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, our expertise in interventional pain management ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, consider consulting with our specialists to explore these advanced treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Relief duration varies; DRG Blocks may provide relief for weeks, while PRF effects can last several months.

Risks are minimal but may include temporary soreness or rarely, nerve irritation.

Individuals with chronic nerve pain unresponsive to conservative treatments may benefit.

Some patients experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over days to weeks.

Repeat treatment may not be necessary but depending on the condition and response, repeat treatments may be required in few.

Yes, they are often part of a multidisciplinary approach, including medications and physical therapy.