A stimulation lead is provided for neuromodulating portions of the spinal nerves, particularly one or more dorsal root ganglions (DRGs), to treat chronic pain while causing minimal deleterious side effects such as undesired motor responses. The stimulation lead (100) comprises: a shaft (103) comprising a tube (172) having a distal end (101) and a proximal end (105)； a stylet tube (174) disposed within the shaft； at least one electrode (102) disposed near the distal end of the shaft； at least one conductor cable (182) extending from the at least one electrode toward the proximal end of the shaft； and optionally a tensile element (188) fixedly coupled to the shaft in at least one location along the shaft. The stylet tube (174), the tensile element (188), and the conductor cables (182) extend through the shaft tube (172) and are free to move therein for allowing allowing greater flexibility in bending and lower applied forces to achieve reduced curve radii in the lead.
