I'm assuming that most of you have had the usual tratments? Injections, nerve blocks, etc. None of them worked for my severe, chronic pain. I finally went to a neurosurgeon who suggested a trial of the spinal cord stimulator. I did the temporary trial which reduced my pain by about 80%(along with the meds I was already on). I went ahead with the permanent trial. That reduced my pain by about 50%. But, it was enough to get most of my life back...cycling 30-50 miles aweek and working around the house again. It's not effective for everyone, but the trial is a way to find out.