New Treatment Option for Chronic Back Pain

On March 29th, 2023, at Glen Burnie Ambulatory Surgery Center, Dr. Gurtej Singh implanted a motor stimulator system in a patient with chronic low back pain. The stimulator system [ReActiv8] is a one-of-a-kind peripheral nerve system designed not to just treat pain, but to restore strength and function to weakened muscles of the spine. These muscles, called the multifidi muscles, are the deepest ones, and connect the various bones of the spine, or vertebrae.

With injury and aging, these muscles atrophy, or weaken, which can lead to chronic low back pain. Bending forward, twisting, lifting an object are some of the activities that can cause pain.

Feeling very tired or fatigued from simple day-to-day tasks, and chores, such as brushing your teeth, or loading/unloading the dishwasher, can be due to weakened muscles. A patient's history of pain, examination of the spine, and an MRI or CT, together help to make the diagnosis.

Patients who have been studied with this motor stimulator show 50% improvement at 6 months, and after 3 years there is an 80% improvement. The system works to slowly strengthen the back muscles over the next few months, similar to working out at the gym, the progress is steady and takes time, but is very much worth the effort.

Dr. Gurtej Singh is the first not only at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, but also at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, trained in this new technique! To learn more about this cutting-edge treatment or to make an appointment with Dr. Singh, and other members of our Back and Spine team visit mdbonedocs.com or cfaortho.com.