Modular stimulator for treatment of back pain, implantable RF ablation system and methods of use

A therapeutic electrical stimulation system comprising:

• an implantable housing;
• one or more electrode leads coupled to the implantable housing and having a plurality of electrodes, wherein at least one of the one or more electrode leads is configured to be implanted adjacent to a spinal tissue;
• a first circuitry module disposed within the implantable housing and operatively coupled to at least one of the one or more electrode leads, wherein the first circuitry module is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a selected first subset of the plurality of electrodes to cause contraction of a spinal muscle associated with the spinal tissue;
• a second circuitry module, adapted for long term pain relief, disposed within the implantable housing and operatively coupled to at least one of the one or more electrode leads, wherein the second circuitry module is configured to perform a function selected from a group consisting of:
• analgesic stimulation of afferent nerve fibers associated with the spinal tissue;
• muscle performance monitoring;
• stimulation of efferent nerve fibers associated with the spinal tissue to reduce spasm, and radio frequency (RF) ablation;
• and
• a controller disposed within the implantable housing and operatively coupled to the first circuitry module and the second circuitry module, wherein the controller is configured to cause simultaneous delivery of the electrical stimulation via the first circuitry module and performance of the function via the second circuitry module.