Hi Floyd, do get yourself a good pain management specialist, they can be the real difference between surfing and living. If they think an SCS is way to go, then you will have a trial which as Mark says is minimally invasive and if that goes well about a month later they will do the permanent unit. You will need to fit a certain profile in order for it to be considered so don't be disheartened if on your first enquiry it is rejected, keep asking.