ReActiv8® Procedure
A restorative neurostimulation treatment designed to help manage mechanical chronic low back pain by activating the muscles responsible for stabilizing the lumbar spine. Performed by Dr. Amanda Greene at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin.
ReActiv8® may be an option for adults with intractable chronic low back pain associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction who have not found relief with treatments such as pain medication and physical therapy.
What Is the ReActiv8® Procedure?
ReActiv8® is an implantable restorative neurostimulation system designed to help manage chronic low back pain associated with dysfunction of the lumbar multifidus muscles.
The multifidus muscles play an important role in stabilizing the lumbar spine. When these muscles are not activating properly, the spine may become less stable, contributing to ongoing mechanical low back pain and reduced function.
Designed to Restore Muscle Control
ReActiv8® stimulates the nerves that activate the lumbar multifidus muscles. The goal is to help restore neuromuscular control and improve the spine’s natural ability to stabilize itself.
- Targets multifidus muscle dysfunction
- Uses restorative neurostimulation
- Helps activate stabilizing muscles in the low back
- Designed for mechanical chronic low back pain
What Is Mechanical Chronic Low Back Pain?
Mechanical chronic low back pain is pain that may be related to how the structures of the lower back move, support, and stabilize the spine.
In some patients, dysfunction of the multifidus muscles can contribute to poor spinal control, ongoing pain, and difficulty returning to normal activity.
Common Symptoms
- Chronic low back pain lasting several months or longer
- Pain that affects daily activity or mobility
- Difficulty standing, bending, lifting, or walking comfortably
- Reduced function despite prior conservative treatment
- Low back pain without a clear surgical correction option
- Evidence of multifidus dysfunction on imaging or testing
Who May Be a Candidate for ReActiv8®?
ReActiv8® may be considered for adults with intractable chronic low back pain associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction who have not found adequate relief with conservative treatments such as pain medication and physical therapy.
- Chronic mechanical low back pain
- Evidence of multifidus muscle dysfunction on imaging or physiological testing
- Limited relief from conservative treatment options
- Not currently considered a candidate for spine surgery
- A desire to explore a restorative treatment approach for chronic low back pain
Not all patients are candidates. A consultation and evaluation with Dr. Greene can help determine whether ReActiv8® is appropriate for your condition.
How Does ReActiv8® Work?
ReActiv8® works by stimulating the nerves that control the lumbar multifidus muscles. These muscles help stabilize the lower back and support healthy movement patterns.
During the procedure, leads are placed near the nerves that activate the multifidus muscles and connected to an implanted pulse generator. After the system is programmed, patients use the therapy as directed to help retrain and restore neuromuscular control over time.
Treatment Goals
- Activate the lumbar multifidus muscles
- Restore neuromuscular control
- Improve spinal stability
- Reduce chronic low back pain
- Improve function and quality of life
What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
Recovery and therapy timelines vary by patient. After the ReActiv8® system is implanted, patients return for follow-up visits with Dr. Greene to monitor healing, review symptoms, and program or adjust the therapy.
Because ReActiv8® is designed to restore muscle control over time, symptom improvement may be gradual. Dr. Greene will guide your therapy plan and follow-up schedule based on your individual response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ReActiv8® the same as spinal cord stimulation?
No. ReActiv8® is restorative neurostimulation. It is designed to activate the nerves that control the lumbar multifidus muscles, helping restore muscle control and spinal stability over time.
What condition does ReActiv8® treat?
ReActiv8® is used to help manage intractable chronic low back pain associated with multifidus muscle dysfunction in appropriate adult patients.
How is ReActiv8® implanted?
ReActiv8® is implanted during a procedure in which leads are placed to stimulate the nerves that activate the lumbar multifidus muscles. Dr. Greene will review the procedure details, risks, and recovery expectations during your consultation.
How quickly will I notice improvement?
ReActiv8® is designed to restore muscle control over time, so improvement may be gradual. Follow-up visits help monitor progress and adjust therapy as needed.
How do I know if I’m a candidate?
A consultation, physical examination, imaging review, and discussion of previous treatments are needed to determine whether ReActiv8® is appropriate. Dr. Greene will evaluate your symptoms, goals, and treatment history to recommend the best next step.