I have lived with this pain continual for overe 10 years also. I also tried the spinal stimulator and had problems the whole two years I had it in. A neuro surgeon then did back surgery and put in a 10 inch bar due to disc deteriation in my back. I started seeing a pain specialist about 18 months ago. We have tried injections, ablations and had little success. I have now started on a pain patch that so far has relived at least 95% of my pain. I feel I can now live a fairly normal life if it continues to work as it is now. I am so thankful for my pain specialist not giving up on me.