Is Reactiv8 Neurostimulation Right for Me?

Back pain is the leading cause of disability and work limitations. More than 75 million adults experience back pain, and for many of them, their pain is long-lasting, interfering with work, daily activities, and overall quality of life.

If traditional treatments have failed to provide lasting relief, it may be time to consider an alternative solution. 

At Pain Management Specialists, serving patients in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland, our board-certified physicians Dr. Stuart Hough and Dr. Ramani Peruvemba tailor treatment plans to each individual, incorporating the latest advancements in medical technology alongside holistic strategies. 

Reactiv8 neurostimulation is a cutting-edge therapy designed to address the root cause of certain types of chronic low back pain. Scheduling a comprehensive evaluation is an excellent place to start in exploring whether this treatment is right for you.

How Reactiv8 relieves pain

Reactiv8 is unique in that it targets the dysfunction of a group of stabilizing muscles in the lower back called multifidus, a key underlying issue.

Lower back muscles weakened from injury, inactivity, or nerve dysfunction often contribute to lower back pain. When the multifidus muscle fails to function optimally, it can pave the way for chronic pain. 

Reactiv8 delivers mild electrical stimulation to the nerves responsible for engaging these core muscles, which helps to retrain them to function properly over time.

Am I a good candidate for Reactiv8?

If you’ve been living with chronic low back pain for an extended period and haven’t found relief with other approaches, you may be a candidate for Reactiv8. Ideal patients tend to have the following:

• Limited success with conventional treatments
• Low back pain lasting six months or longer
• Pain originating from muscle dysfunction
• A desire to reduce pain medications 
• Looking to avoid invasive surgery

Our team conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine whether Reactiv8 is an appropriate option for improving your pain. 

Differentiating multifidus pain

If you struggle with persistent back pain that worsens when staying in the same position for too long, you may be dealing with multifidus muscle dysfunction. Everyday movements like bending to brush your teeth, washing dishes, or picking up objects can also trigger discomfort. 

Another telltale sign is needing to push off with your arms to stand upright after bending forward. Fortunately, diagnosing this condition is straightforward. Our team can evaluate your multifidus muscle function using physical assessments, along with an MRI to detect fatty infiltration in the muscle. The entire diagnostic process is completely non-invasive.

What to expect from the procedure

Reactiv8 is a minimally invasive treatment performed on an outpatient basis. During the procedure, our team implants small leads near the nerves that control the deep stabilizing muscles in your lower back. 

The device delivers mild electrical impulses, activating these muscles and promoting functional restoration. Unlike traditional spinal cord stimulators, which primarily block pain signals, Reactiv8 addresses the root cause and helps retrain your body. 

Many of our patients begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, with continued progress over time as their muscles regain strength and function. 

The benefits of a multimodal approach to pain management

The team at Pain Management Specialists, take a comprehensive approach to managing pain. While Reactiv8 can be a valuable tool in addressing chronic low back pain, it’s most effective when integrated into a broader treatment plan. Depending on your needs, we may recommend complementary therapies such as:

• Physical therapy
• Lifestyle modifications
• Nutritional support
• Targeted interventional for additional pain relief

The Pain Management Specialists team strives to help you regain control over your life and achieve lasting relief.

A promising path toward relief

Chronic pain shouldn’t dictate your life. If you’re interested in whether Reactiv8 neurostimulation is the right solution for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our Rockville or Frederick office. Our team will take the time to understand your pain history, discuss your treatment goals, and create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. The team at Pain Management Specialists is dedicated to improving patient lives through optimal pain management.