Pioneering pain treatment is helping patients transform their lives
This week was Global Pain Awareness Day (October 15) and Essex patients who have lived with long-term back pain are now seeing life-changing improvements in mobility and wellbeing, thanks to an innovative treatment that is set to be rolled out across the NHS.
Unlike traditional approaches such as painkillers and physiotherapy, this treatment uses a small implant to stimulate nerves controlling deep spinal muscles, helping patients move more freely and reduce pain. The procedure is carried out as a day case, meaning patients return home the same day.
It’s been carried out 40 times and is available at Orsett and Basildon hospitals one of only 12 centres in England offering the advanced procedure, helping reduce pain for patients and improve their quality of life.
Dr Simon Thomson, Consultant in Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation at the Trust, said: “Results so far have been very encouraging, with eight out of ten patients saying they have greater freedom of movement and reduced pain after the procedure. The treatment has already transformed lives, from younger adults keen to stay active to older patients who have lived with pain for decades.”
Stuart James, aged 81, from Basildon, who has lived with serious back pain for over 20 years, which was so bad he had to retire from work early has benefited from the treatment.
Stuart said: The pain was unbearable, I couldn’t stand, walk, or even wait for the bus. Nothing worked until I met Dr Thomson. After the procedure, I was off painkillers, climbing stairs, and even dancing again! Most importantly, it means I can care for my partner, Peter. This treatment has given me my life back.”
Neuromodulation reduces the need for long-term medication, repeat appointments, and ongoing physiotherapy, supporting earlier intervention and shorter waiting times for patients.
Originally introduced as part of a research study, the procedure has now been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and is expected to be made more widely available across the NHS.
Dr Thomson said:” Neuromodulation has been my professional life’s work. To help patients who were once told nothing more could be done is incredibly rewarding. I began developing the service here over 30 years ago, and today we’re recognised nationally and internationally for our work, all from right here at Orsett and Basildon Hospitals.”