Spinal Cord Stimulators vs DRG Therapy: What Napa Patients Should Know

By Dr. Jackie Weisbein, DO — Double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, and fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Management

Quick Insights

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) therapy are implantable treatments that use electrical signals to reduce chronic nerve pain. Both options have high satisfaction rates, but the best choice depends on the pain's location and complexity.

Key Takeaways

• Both SCS and DRG therapies have patient satisfaction rates above 80% in recent studies.
• DRG therapy may offer better results for certain complex pain conditions like CRPS.
• These implant options are often more cost-effective than years of ongoing conventional treatments.
• Napa-area patients have access to both treatments without needing to travel to larger cities.

Why It Matters

If you’ve already tried injections, medications, or even surgery without lasting relief, you’re not alone. Many Napa patients turn to SCS or DRG therapy as their next step—not just for symptom control, but to finally get back to walking, working, or sleeping through the night.

Introduction

As a double board-certified pain specialist practicing in Napa Valley, I meet many people searching for spinal cord stimulator options who just want real answers—not more guesswork. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) therapy are minimally invasive treatments that use gentle electrical impulses to help control nerve pain when everything else has let you down.

As the current President of Women Innovators in Pain Management (WIPM), a top-100 national implanter, and a physician who trains colleagues in advanced neuromodulation, I focus every day on restoring movement and hope through boutique, evidence-based care. These therapies work by “interrupting” pain signals as they travel to the brain, helping reduce symptoms, decrease medication dependence, and return patients to the activities they love, often with less medication and no major surgery.

Research suggests patient satisfaction rates reach as high as 82% for both options, highlighting their potential to deliver meaningful, long-term relief for patients living with chronic pain.

If you’re tired of failed treatments and just want to mow the lawn or play with your kids again, I understand. There are real, local options that fit your needs and life.

How Do Spinal Cord Stimulators and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Devices Work?

When I meet patients in Napa who are at their wits’ end—like Mark from Vallejo, who’s tried everything for his back pain—I always start by explaining how these devices actually work. Both spinal cord stimulators and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation use gentle electrical signals to “interrupt” pain messages before they reach your brain.

Spinal cord stimulators are placed near the spinal cord, while DRG devices target specific nerve clusters (the dorsal root ganglia) that can be the source of stubborn pain, especially in the legs or feet. In my practice, I’ve seen that this difference can matter a lot for people with complex regional pain or nerve injuries.

Studies suggest both options can help reduce pain and improve daily function, but the best choice depends on your unique pain pattern and goals. If you’re tired of feeling like a ghost of your former self, it’s worth learning how these technologies might fit your life. For a deeper dive into the science, you can check out this Cochrane review on neuromodulation.

As a double board-certified pain and rehabilitation physician, I know how overwhelming it can be when nothing has really worked. In my daily Napa Valley practice, I’ve found that for patients who are worried they’ll never get back to things like walking in the vineyard or keeping up with grandkids, even small reductions in pain achieved through neuromodulation can be game-changing. This technology isn’t about “masking” pain—it can actually help people reclaim their routines and independence when other approaches have failed.

Who is a Good Candidate for Advanced Pain Implants in Napa Valley?

I often see people from St. Helena, Yountville, and right here in Napa who wonder if they’re “bad enough” or “too complicated” for a spinal cord stimulator Napa procedure. The truth is, these devices are designed for folks who’ve already tried medications, injections, or even surgery—without lasting relief.

If you have chronic nerve pain from conditions like failed back surgery, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or diabetic neuropathy, you might be a candidate. I pay close attention to your story, not just your MRI, because I know how frustrating it is when you feel dismissed—just like Lena, who was told her pain “wasn’t real.”

In my experience, the best results come when we match the right device to the right person, considering your lifestyle, health, and what you want to get back to doing. For urgent or complex cases, many of my patients also rely on hospitals like Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center here in Napa for supportive services and diagnostic imaging, which helps ensure a safe, well-rounded care plan.

As someone who trains other doctors nationally in these procedures, I want to emphasize that candidacy isn’t based on how “severe” your MRI looks—it’s about how much your pain is interfering with living the life you want here in Napa or the North Bay. I frequently meet people who say, “I’m not ready for big surgery,” and we work together to find the least invasive solution that still offers hope for getting back to activities that matter most.

Comparing Spinal Cord Stimulators vs. DRG: What Does the Research Say?

Many of my patients—especially those who’ve spent years searching for answers—want to know, “Which device actually works better?” The latest research indicates that both spinal cord stimulation and DRG therapy offer high satisfaction rates, with over 80% of patients reporting meaningful relief.

For people with complex pain conditions like CRPS, studies suggest DRG stimulation may provide even greater improvements in pain and quality of life compared to traditional SCS. I’ve seen this firsthand in patients from American Canyon who struggled for years before finding relief with DRG.

Still, it’s important to remember that no device is a magic bullet. Both options are considered cost-effective compared to standard pain care, but individual results can vary, and ongoing research is shaping our understanding. If you’re the kind of person who likes to dig into the data, I recommend this systematic review on patient satisfaction.

As a fellowship-trained interventional pain specialist, I want you to know that these satisfaction rates in large studies mirror what I see every week in my North Bay practice—most patients don’t become “pain free,” but many tell me they’re able to reduce medications, walk farther, or finally sleep through the night again. When comparing the two devices, my role is to help guide you through the research and personalize that information to your unique pain—so you can make choices that fit your life, not just clinical statistics. You can also see what our patients say about their own experiences with advanced pain treatments.

What is the Experience Like at Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group?

When you walk into my clinic on Claremont Way, you’re not just another chart—I take the time to hear your story, your frustrations, and your hopes. Many of my patients from Napa and Sonoma have bounced between clinics, feeling like no one really “gets it.” I make it my mission to change that.

The process usually starts with a detailed consultation, followed by a short trial of the device (usually 5–7 days) to see if it truly helps your pain. If you notice a real difference, we move forward with a permanent implant—always using the least invasive approach possible. I personally perform every procedure and oversee your recovery, so you’re never handed off to someone else.

I’ve found that this hands-on, boutique approach helps people like George from rural Sonoma feel safe and supported, especially when they’re nervous about surgery or downtime. You can learn more about respected local hospitals like Adventist Health St. Helena, which serve patients across the Napa Valley and often provide essential imaging and postoperative care resources in the region.

Having worked with hundreds of patients in Napa and the surrounding area, I know that many are worried about the process being cold or impersonal. One of the reasons I limit my patient panel is so I can really partner with you—from planning the trial to checking in during your recovery, you have direct access to me. I’ve seen this continuity make all the difference in reducing anxiety and helping patients regain trust after a long journey through the healthcare system.

Local Access and Support: Why Choose a North Bay Specialist?

One thing I hear all the time from patients in Napa, St. Helena, and even as far as Vallejo is, “I thought I’d have to drive to San Francisco for this.” The reality is, you don’t. As a double board-certified pain physician and national trainer, I bring advanced neuromodulation options—like spinal cord stimulators and DRG therapy—right here to the North Bay.

In the Napa Valley region, institutions like Adventist Health St. Helena and Napa Valley College are familiar community resources that many of my patients already interact with as part of their broader wellness and recovery journey.

In my experience, having local support makes a huge difference in recovery and long-term success. If you’re ready to stop feeling like just another number and want a care plan built around your life, I invite you to see what’s possible right here in Napa. Queen of the Valley Medical Center is one of the region’s major hospitals, and many of our patients find it helpful for access to local imaging, post-operative monitoring, and emergency care if ever needed.

As someone who grew up and works in the North Bay, I’ve seen the power of having family and familiar routines nearby during recovery. Patients tell me they feel more comfortable asking questions and managing their care when they know their physician is always close by. My approach is to combine these advanced procedures with genuine, ongoing support—so you never feel alone on your road to feeling better.

Voices from Our Community

As someone who’s dedicated my career to restoring movement and hope for people in Napa Valley and the North Bay, I know how much trust matters—especially when you’re considering advanced options like spinal cord stimulation, DRG therapy, or other interventional pain procedures. My approach is always personal and hands-on, blending the latest techniques with genuine care. One Google review shared, “Dr Weisbein is very caring and an excellent physician 😀. She performed dorsal root ganglion surgery and helped to markedly reduce my pain.” Feedback like this from our local community means so much to me, and it reflects the boutique, patient-centered model I strive for every day.
Read the full review on Google

Conclusion

In summary, spinal cord stimulator Napa options—including both traditional spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) therapy—offer real hope for people struggling with chronic nerve pain when other treatments have failed. Studies suggest both approaches can deliver meaningful relief and improved quality of life, with DRG therapy sometimes providing extra benefit for complex pain conditions.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices or skeptical after years of disappointment, please know you’re not alone. As a double board-certified physician and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’m committed to helping Napa Valley and North Bay patients find the right, evidence-based solution—without major surgery or feeling like just another number. You don’t have to live in pain—there are real options. Schedule your consultation today.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.