When Traditional Pain Relief Fails
Chronic nerve pain is debilitating. Conditions like severe sciatica, neuropathy, or pain that persists after previous back surgeries (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome) often do not respond to standard painkillers or physical therapy. For these patients, 2026 has solidified Neuromodulation as a gold-standard treatment.
What is Neuromodulation?
Neuromodulation involves using targeted electrical stimulation to alter nerve activity. Instead of cutting nerves or relying on heavy medication, a neurosurgeon implants a tiny device (similar to a pacemaker) that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord or specific peripheral nerves.
How Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Works
These electrical pulses intercept pain signals before they can reach the brain. Instead of feeling sharp, burning pain, the patient feels a gentle, soothing tingling sensation—or in newer high-frequency models, no sensation at all, just the absence of pain.
Conditions Treated
- Chronic back and leg pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Trigeminal Neuralgia (facial pain)
- Intractable peripheral neuropathy
The beauty of neuromodulation is that it is reversible and testable. Patients undergo a temporary trial first. If their pain is reduced by at least 50%, the permanent device is implanted in a minimally invasive, day-case procedure.
Dr. Wasif Rizwan Malik evaluates patients at Faraz Hospital to determine if they are candidates for these advanced pain-relieving technologies.