About ReActiv8 in Mission Viejo
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.
Benefits of ReActiv8
Below are some advantages of ReActiv8:
- ReActiv8 is a restorative therapy that addresses the underlying cause and doesn’t destroy or alter any part of the body.
- ReActiv8 retrains your body to function naturally to support your spine instead of covering up the pain signals.
- Multiple studies have shown dramatic improvements in quality of life.
- The device is reversible, as your doctor can remove it.
- The patient controls the treatment sessions as the implant allows customized stimulation and muscle contractions.
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
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Recovery 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.
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.
ReActiv8 Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Request a Consultation with Dr. Taghva
To learn more about ReActiv8 therapy for chronic low back pain, contact Dr. Alexander Taghva’s office at 949-388-7190 to schedule a consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Taghva will assess your condition, discuss your treatment options, and help you determine if ReActiv8 therapy is appropriate. Don’t let chronic low back pain hold you back. Take the first step towards a more active and pain-free life by requesting a consultation today.
