Spine pain management in Western North Carolina

Spinal Cord Stimulation
& Neuromodulation

If you’re struggling with chronic pain from nerve damage, neuromodulation procedures like spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation may be the right fit for you. At Comprehensive Pain Consultants, we offer these minimally invasive options to interrupt pain signals and deliver lasting relief.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation & Neuromodulation?

Neuromodulation procedures are evidence-based interventional pain management treatments that help address a wide range of spine and nerve-related conditions. These minimally invasive techniques impact how the nervous system sends pain signals, helping prevent the pain signal from reaching the brain and are used when more conservative treatments like injections do not provide long-term relief. With Spinal Cord Stimulation, a small generator implanted in the back sends mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord that interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, masking your back, leg, or nerve pain. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation follows a similar approach, but instead of targeting pain signals sent from the spinal cord, it targets pain signals sent from the peripheral nerves (those located outside the spine or brain) closer to where you feel the pain, such as in the arms, legs, or shoulders.

Spinal Cord Stimulation and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation are recommended when more conservative treatments do not provide lasting relief. Your physician will first perform a trial with a temporary device to ensure effective results before recommending a permanent implant.

Common Conditions Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation:

  • Post-Surgical Spine Pain (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS)
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Radiculopathy
  • Nerve Pain Radiating from the Spine (Sciatica)

Our Treatment Offering

ReActiv8

ReActiv8 is an FDA-approved, implantable neurostimulation system designed to treat chronic mechanical low back pain caused by dysfunction of the lumbar multifidus muscle, which stabilizes the spine. Unlike treatments that only relieve symptoms, ReActiv8 delivers targeted electrical impulses to the multifidus muscle to restore neuromuscular control and improve spinal stability. The device is implanted during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, with a small pulse generator placed under the skin and leads positioned near the affected nerves. Patients activate the device twice daily for about 30 minutes per session, and clinical studies have shown it can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life.

The ReActiv8 system delivers precise electrical stimulation to the lumbar multifidus muscles via leads placed near the L2 medial branch nerves of the dorsal ramus. This stimulation activates and retrains the multifidus, a key muscle for spinal stability that often weakens in patients with chronic low back pain. By restoring proper muscle function and coordination, ReActiv8 helps improve spinal support, reduce mechanical stress on the vertebrae and discs, and ultimately alleviate pain. Patients control the device with a wireless remote, typically performing two 30-minute sessions daily, allowing the muscles to gradually strengthen and recondition over time.

ReActiv8 offers a restorative approach to managing chronic low back pain by targeting the underlying muscle dysfunction rather than just masking symptoms. Patients often experience significant reductions in pain, improved spinal stability, and increased mobility and function. The therapy can enhance quality of life, reduce reliance on medications, and may help delay or avoid more invasive spinal surgeries. Clinical studies have shown that the benefits are durable over time, making it a long-term solution for patients who have not found relief from conventional treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.

ReActiv8 is implanted during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to go home the same day. Light activities can typically be resumed within a few days, though patients are usually advised to follow a gradual activity plan and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks. Full benefits from muscle reconditioning and pain relief develop gradually over several weeks as the multifidus muscles strengthen with the twice-daily stimulation sessions.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Implants

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) implants are medical devices that deliver low-level electrical pulses to the spinal cord to block or alter pain signals before they reach the brain. Implanted under the skin, usually in the abdomen or buttocks, with leads placed near the spinal cord, SCS is used to treat chronic pain conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, or neuropathic pain. The therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and decrease reliance on medications without the need for major surgery.

Spinal cord stimulators send mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord through implanted leads, which interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain. This helps reduce the perception of pain, allowing patients to experience relief and improved function.

Spinal cord stimulation can significantly reduce chronic pain, improve mobility and daily function, and decrease reliance on pain medications. It offers a reversible, minimally invasive option for patients who have not found relief from conventional treatments.

Most patients can go home the same day and resume light activities within a few days. Full recovery and optimal pain relief typically develop over several weeks as the device settings are adjusted and patients adapt to stimulation.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) targets specific nerves outside of the spinal cord that are causing localized pain. A small electrode delivers electrical signals to interrupt pain messages.

The system is either placed temporarily for a trial or implanted permanently, depending on your condition and goals.

Ideal for pain in areas like the back, shoulders, hips, or extremities. Offers a drug-free, surgery-free alternative.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Close-up of a gloved clinician performing a diagnostic and therapeutic pain injection

Targeted relief for chronic nerve pain

Physician examining an older patient's neck and shoulder during a pain consultation

Long-term
pain relief

Older man jogging outdoors in autumn after pain treatment

Reduces or eliminates need for opioids

Clinician treating a patient's mid back during a pain management visit

Adjustable therapy tailored to your pain patterns

Physicians performing a minimally invasive spine procedure with image guidance

Minimally invasive implant with quick recovery

Real Stories.
Real Relief.

Hear from Patients Who Chose Comprehensive Pain Consultants

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Tony Herron
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The front office and nurse's and Doctors are great . The bill department is a nother story.
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Caring and understanding of your symptoms and how they are affecting your health.
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My experience was absolutely phenomenal, Dr. Lewis. Is great so I highly recommend going to this place.
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Nancy Davis
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New checking is a pain in itself. Makes for backup at the entrance and slows everything else down
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From the day I walked in, this office,staff,Dr. have all been amazing. I would recommend them to everyone!!
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Jessy
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They are caring and understanding on things I recommend them to anyone that's in pain I would recommend this place to anyone with arthritis back pain any kind of pain
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They are all very nice and fast
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Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Right for You?

Spinal Cord Stimulation or Peripheral Nerve Stimulation procedures are often recommended when conservative treatments, such as injections, aren’t meeting your long-term goals. During your consultation at Comprehensive Pain Consultants, our board-certified pain management specialists will evaluate your condition and develop a customized plan to help you feel better, faster.

Fill out the form and a care coordinator will contact you to schedule your consultation.

Contact Us

Trust Comprehensive Pain Consultants
for Expert Care

Back pain affects millions of Americans every year. Whether it’s the result of an injury, aging, or a medical condition, back pain can seriously impact your quality of life. At Comprehensive Pain Consultants, our board-certified spine specialists conduct a thorough evaluation of your spine to find out what’s causing your symptoms. They investigate your pain’s origin, how severe it is, and whether your range of motion is limited. If needed, they may get X-rays or imaging tests that provide doctors with more detailed information to create your personalized treatment plan.

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