ReActiv8 in Orange County, CA

Dr. Alexander Taghva, a renowned, board-certified neurosurgeon in Orange County, California, offers the innovative ReActiv8 implantable neurostimulation system to chronic low back pain patients. This restorative neurostimulation treatment has been shown to make clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function for patients, improving their quality of life.

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American Association Neurological Surgeons

Benefits of ReActiv8

ReActiv8 offers a revolutionary approach to chronic low back pain, harnessing the body’s natural mechanisms to alleviate discomfort. Its innovative technology represents a leap forward in pain management, aiming to improve quality of life without reliance on medication or invasive procedures.

Restorative Muscle Retraining

ReActiv8 gently retrains spinal support muscles, promoting natural function and addressing pain at its source, fostering a body that supports itself without reliance on pain suppression.

Quality of Life Enhancement

Through its therapeutic approach, patients experience significant quality of life improvements, with the freedom to enjoy daily activities without the shadow of pain.

Controlled and Reversible Treatment

Empowering patients with control over their treatment, ReActiv8 is fully reversible, offering peace of mind with the flexibility of customized muscle stimulation.

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What is ReActiv8?

When the back experiences an injury, it can impair control of the multifidus muscle, the largest stabilizing muscle in the back. This lack of control can diminish the functional stability of the spine, making it more vulnerable to additional injuries and overloading. ReActiv8, an implantable neurostimulation system, is designed to address chronic low back pain resulting from impaired muscle control and neural dysfunction.

How ReActiv8 Works

The ReActiv8 system is implanted underneath the skin with a generator connected to two electrical leads that stimulate the nerves controlling the multifidus muscle. The device will directly stimulate the nerves responsible for activating the multifidus muscle, causing controlled muscle contractions. This restorative neurostimulation helps overcome neural inhibition and, with regular use, it enables the body to regain control of the multifidus. As a result, it improves muscle strength, control, and spine stability, relieving low back pain.

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The ReActiv8 system is implanted underneath the skin with a generator connected to two electrical leads that stimulate the nerves controlling the multifidus muscle.

Ideal Candidates for ReActiv8

To determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for ReActiv8, Dr. Taghva will evaluate their medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments. Patients must have weakness and atrophy of the lumbar multifidus muscle, which an MRI or physical evaluation can determine. ReActiv8 is unsuitable for those who cannot operate the system or are not good candidates for implantation surgery.

Ideal candidates for ReActiv8 are those who:

Suffer from chronic low back pain for more than three months
Have worse back pain than leg pain
Have not found relief from physical therapy or pain medicine
Are not good candidates for spine surgery
Have weakness and atrophy of the lumbar multifidus muscle

Procedure Overview: ReActiv8 Implantation

The ReActiv8 implantation process is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that typically takes less than an hour. During the surgery, the leads are surgically positioned to deliver controlled electrical stimulation to the key stabilizing muscles of the lumbar spine. The leads are positioned bilaterally (on both sides) for comprehensive results. The generator device is then connected to the leads and implanted under the skin.

The ReActiv8 implantation procedure involves the following steps:

Administration of anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the surgery
Two incisions are made; one for the generator and one for the leads. The best position for the leads is partially determined by X-ray
The electrical leads are carefully positioned to target the nerves controlling the multifidus muscle
Leads are placed bilaterally for comprehensive stimulation
The generator is implanted under the skin and connected to the leads, often in the upper buttock
The incision is closed, and the patient is monitored for any complications before being discharged

Testimonials

Doctors McFarland, Sieglen, Massoudi, and Madara,
I am writing this letter today to thank each of you individually and your organizations for allowing me the opportunity to have met a man of such as Alexander Taghva MD. I am the son of poor Scottish immigrants, an Ex Army Paratrooper, Ex Police Officer, and currently Vice President of a successful Finance organization and I have never asked any man in my 55 years on this earth for anything, not ever. It was in my time of need, at my most vulnerable that Alexander Taghva MD, reached out to me, and I asked him with tears in my eyes, “Doctor,…

5 stars
James G.

Recovery from ReActiv8 and Ongoing Therapy

Following the ReActiv8 implantation procedure, patients should arrange to have someone drive them home. Afterward, they may experience discomfort and swelling at the incision site, which should subside within a few days.

Walking is encouraged, without twisting or bending or causing more pain. Patients can typically resume showers 48 hours after implantation but are asked not to submerge the surgical area in water. Any bandages on the incisions will fall off on their own, or they will be removed at the follow-up visit. Dr. Taghva will provide more specific post-operative care instructions and may recommend over-the-counter pain medications to manage discomfort.

Patients will be trained on how to operate the ReActiv8 system to control their twice-daily, 30-minute therapy sessions at about 14 days after implant. These sessions can feel like a deep tissue massage and are designed to help regain control of the lumbar multifidus muscle, providing functional lumbar stability and reducing mechanically based pain. As patients continue their therapy, they can expect to see improvements in pain and function over time.

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Cost of ReActiv8 in Mission Viejo, CA

The cost of ReActiv8 therapy will vary, depending on the patient’s insurance coverage. Patients who are denied coverage might be helped by enrolling in the Mainstay Medical ReActiv8 Support & Verification Program (RSVP). RSVP’s patient access specialists do not guarantee patients’ coverage, but they will work to help you obtain coverage until a final decision is made.

ReActiv8 Results

Patients who undergo ReActiv8 therapy can expect to see improvements in their chronic low back pain over time. Long-term clinical outcomes show that 8 out of 10 patients report substantial improvements in pain and function, and 7 out of 10 patients voluntarily eliminate or reduce their opioid intake. The key to achieving these results is consistency in the twice-daily therapy sessions and following Dr. Taghva’s recommendations for ongoing care and rehabilitation. With regular use, ReActiv8 can help patients regain muscle strength, control, and spine stability, leading to a significant reduction in low back pain and improved quality of life.

Dr. Alexander Taghva – Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Why Choose Dr. Alexander Taghva

Dr. Alexander Taghva is a leading board-certified neurosurgeon, specializing in brain surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, as well as spine disorders. Also, he is the only spine surgeon in Orange County and southern California who offers endoscopic laminotomy surgery. Dr. Taghva:

Graduated from John Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of California
Completed a prestigious fellowship at The Ohio State University in Neuromodulation and Functional Neurosurgery
Specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, spinal stenosis, artificial disc replacement, spinal disorders, spinal surgery revision, and other spinal conditions.
Specializes in brain surgery to treat trigeminal neuralgia, brain tumors, pituitary tumors, and Parkinson’s disease.
A highly-respected neurosurgeon with many years of experience, including treating chronic pain via stimulation of the spinal cord and brain
Actively involved in medical research and the lead investigator for clinical trials on spinal cord stimulation

ReActiv8 Frequently Asked Questions

How does ReActiv8 differ from other treatments for chronic low back pain?

The ReActiv8 device addresses the underlying cause of chronic low back pain by targeting the lumbar multifidus muscle. Unlike palliative treatments such as spinal cord stimulation, oral medication, injections, or burning nerves, ReActiv8 aims to improve muscle control and spinal stability, potentially reducing pain and improving overall function.

Is the ReActiv8 implantation procedure safe?

The ReActiv8 implantation procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed on an outpatient basis. As with any surgery, minor risks are associated with the implantation, such as bleeding and infection. However, these risks are generally low, and Dr. Taghva takes all necessary precautions to ensure patient safety during the procedure.

How long does it take to see results from ReActiv8 therapy?

With twice-daily therapy sessions, most patients notice improvements in their chronic low back pain within a couple of months after starting. Follow Dr. Taghva’s recommendations for ongoing care and rehabilitation to achieve the best possible results.

Can I continue physical therapy or other treatments while using ReActiv8?

ReActiv8 is designed to complement and enhance other chronic low back pain treatments, such as physical therapy and pain medications. It is essential to discuss your ongoing treatment plan with Dr. Taghva, as there are some therapies that have not been evaluated, such as diathermy. This will ensure that all therapies work together effectively and safely to address your needs.

Will my insurance cover ReActiv8 therapy?

Insurance coverage for ReActiv8 therapy can vary depending on your specific plan and provider. Denied patients are encouraged to enroll in the Mainstay Medical ReActiv8 Support & Verification Program (RSVP). RSVP’s patient access specialists will make every effort to secure insurance coverage.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for ReActiv8 therapy?

Ideal candidates for ReActiv8 therapy are patients who have experienced chronic low back pain for over three months, have worse back pain than leg pain, and have not found relief from physical therapy or medications. Make an appointment [LINK] with Dr. Taghva so that he can evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and overall health to determine if ReActiv8 therapy is the right treatment option for you.