The use of spinal cord stimulation has been shown to be not only effective in 50% to 80% of patients with chronic pain related to radiculopathies or nerve injury but also cost effective. The better understanding of the mechanisms of the technique has led to better technology such as dual stimulation, which has improved the quality of analgesia, and computer programming, which will enable several different stimulating combinations. New horizons are being explored for the use of this technique. This report attempts to provide a reference for the use of this technique at the beginning of the 21st century. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company