Efficacy of S1 DRG Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Back Pain

Introduction: Lower back pain (LBP) is a common condition with multiple etiologies and places a significant burden on the healthcare system, ranking as the eighth most frequent reason for general medicine consultations. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of S1 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation in treating chronic lower back and leg pain, positioning it as an alternative to traditional spinal cord stimulation (t-SCS).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed the charts of six patients. Data collected included age, race, stimulator placement, and pain scores (VAS) pre- and post-implant, as well as verbalized percent pain reduction (VPPR). Patients who experienced ≥50% pain relief during a trial period were included. Follow-up assessments occurred at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

Results: The mean VPPR during the trial was 63.33% (SD 21.60). At the 2-week follow-up, VPPR averaged 39.17% (SD 22.45), while the 6-week follow-up showed a mean of 68% (SD 21.68). Five out of six patients experienced a pain reduction of 30% or more within the first two weeks of lead placement, with two patients reporting 80% and 98% improvement by the third follow-up.

Conclusion : S1 DRG appears effective in reducing chronic lower back pain, with five out of six patients showing significant pain relief. Future studies should focus on improving patient retention and refining the procedure to prevent recurrence and migration of leads.