TEA, S.D., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — James T. Brunz, MD, an interventional spine and pain physician with Orthopedic Institute (OI), has been recognized by Abbott Neuromodulation as a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Center of Excellence physician based on his experience, clinical insights, and long-standing work with stimulation-based therapies for chronic pain.
According to Abbott Neuromodulation, Dr. Brunz is a strong proponent of spinal cord stimulation therapy and has served as a consultant on product design. He has performed more than 2,000 SCS implants throughout his career. Abbott has indicated that his experience places him among the top 5% of SCS implanters in the Upper Midwest and top 10% across the broader Midwest.
Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced neuromodulation therapy for select patients with chronic pain who have not achieved adequate relief through more conservative treatments. Dr. Brunz’s neuromodulation practice includes spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation, with an emphasis on careful patient selection and appropriate therapy matching.
“Dr. Brunz has demonstrated significant experience and clinical insight in spinal cord stimulation and neuromodulation therapy,” said Todd Woodson, Area Vice President, Abbott Neuromodulation. “Based on his experience, procedural history, and contributions as a clinical resource, Abbott Neuromodulation recognizes Dr. Brunz as a Spinal Cord Stimulation Center of Excellence physician.”
“I have worked directly with Dr. Brunz in the operating room and have seen firsthand his experience, consistency, and understanding of spinal cord stimulation therapy,” said Scott Mattecheck, Territory Manager, Abbott Neuromodulation. “He has been a valuable clinical resource in the region for patients with complex chronic pain.”
“Spinal cord stimulation is not appropriate for every patient, but for carefully selected individuals with chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments, it can be an important therapy to consider,” said Dr. Brunz. “My focus is identifying the source of a patient’s pain and matching the right treatment to the right patient.”
A fellowship-trained interventional spine physician with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Brunz treats complex spine and pain conditions at Orthopedic Institute, collaborating with orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and advanced practice providers.
In addition to his Abbott designation, Dr. Brunz is a listed Intracept Center of Excellence physician for vertebrogenic low back pain. He is the only physician in South Dakota recognized with both the Abbott Neuromodulation Spinal Cord Stimulation Center of Excellence and Intracept Center of Excellence distinctions.
Patients considered for SCS may include those with chronic pain that has not improved adequately with conservative care or previous treatment. Candidates typically complete a temporary stimulation trial before permanent implantation to determine whether the therapy provides meaningful relief.
About Dr. James T. Brunz
James T. Brunz, MD, is a fellowship-trained interventional spine and pain physician at Orthopedic Institute specializing in complex spine and pain conditions. His clinical focus includes vertebrogenic low back pain, basivertebral nerve ablation, spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and advanced interventional pain care. He has served as a regional clinical resource and key opinion leader in neuromodulation since being recognized by St. Jude Medical/Abbott in 2013.
About Orthopedic Institute
Founded in 1972, Orthopedic Institute (OI) is an independent physician group specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine, and interventional spine and pain care. With 21 physicians and more than 225 employees, OI serves patients across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa from its main clinic in Tea, South Dakota, and regional locations. www.orthopedicinstitutesf.com
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SOURCE Orthopedic Institute
