Spinal cord stimulation and the relief of chronic pain.

Twenty six patients who had received spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain were evaluated by videotaped structured interviews with staff not directly involved in the patients' care. In addition estimates of pain relief were obtained from clinicians involved in the patients' care and from close relatives and friends. Information about lifestyles and drug usage was also collected and correlated with pain relief. At the time of the interviews half of the patients were receiving 50% or better relief of their pain.