For many chronic pain sufferers, traditional treatments like drugs and external therapies just don't do the trick. Now, a new surgical option is showing promising results. In fact, it's positively electric.

A fall left Nancy Bruce in terrible pain.

"It was just unbelievable how bad it was," said Bruce.

Bruce was desperate for effective pain management. "I had to lay down in bed all the time or on the couch because I couldn't sit," Bruce said.

When drugs and traditional therapies weren't enough, Bruce tried spinal cord stimulation. Dr. Jerry Lewis uses it to jam the pain signal.

"The spinal cord is actually a processor, and so it decreases the amount of pain transmission that gets through to the brain," said Lewis, pain medicine specialist at Baylor Plano in Tex.

A tiny wire was inserted in the epidural space of Bruce's spinal column. She can deliver electrical pulses via a remote control in her spine. It transforms her pain into a less intense, almost tingly sensation. She noticed a difference right away.

"All of a sudden, I had my life back," Bruce said. "I mean, I could actually do things. I could sit for more than 30 minutes."

Each patient goes through a trial period prior to permanent implantation, and according to Lewis, 85 percent of trial patients choose to move forward and get the implant. For Bruce, moving forward is going to require a lot of sitting still.

"I'm studying," Bruce said. "I'm getting back to my CPA preparation, and at the end of this month, I take the CPA exam."

It all adds up to a pain-free, pill-free solution to back pain.

The risks of spinal cord stimulation are similar to those of any other surgery. Among them: infection, headache and allergic reaction.

BACK PAIN: Experts believe that as many as 80 percent of the United States population will experience back pain some time in their lives. It is estimated that Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain. Research indicates that most cases of back pain are not caused by serious conditions, such as arthritis, fracture, cancer or infections, but rather contributed to by sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured disks and irritated joints. Arthritis, poor posture, psychological stress and obesity can worsen back pain. Pain can also result from disease of internal organs such as kidney stones, blood clots, bone loss and kidney infections. About 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time, and at least half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms every year. Having back pain is one of the most common reasons employees miss work and is the second most common reason for doctor visits. (Source: American Chiropractic Association)

TRADITIONAL BACK PAIN SOLUTIONS: Physicians suggest that the best position for back pain relief is to lie on your back on the floor with pillows under your knees. This position takes the pressure and weight off of your back. Heating pads can also help to relax the painful muscle spasms on the back and should be used for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Other pain solutions may be to use an ice pack, undergo massage, lose weight, exercise, improve posture, or use nonprescription medicines that reduce pain. Chiropractic care may be another option. It is used to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches. Chiropractors practice a drug-free, hands-on approach. The most common therapy utilized is "spinal manipulation." The purpose is to restore joint mobility by manually applying force into joints, which are injured. (Source: American Academy of Family Physicians)

SPINAL CORD STIMULATION: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a medical therapy for patients who suffer chronic pain. SCS uses an implanted device, a stimulator, which delivers mild electrical pulses to nerve fibers. The mild electrical pulses sent to the spinal cord ultimately replace the feeling of pain. The SCS device operates much like a pacemaker and is a direct approach to treating pain. The SCS is effective in reducing chronic pain, is available for trials before a permanent device is implanted and can be turned off or removed at will. (Source: St. Jude Medical)