I don't have one but I've done a ton of pre-op MRI scans for these. Like your doc probably told you, they put in a temp unit and see if it gives you any relief. If the relief is significant enough, they'll put in a permanent one. I've talked to a lot of patients who've had it done, all with varying degrees of success. For some it's a miracle, others not at all. If you get the permanent one, you might want to ask your doc to install one that is MRI compatible or you can never have an MRI again, and not just on your back. I've seen docs install them on people that have other chronic conditions and really need to have MRI's in the future and they're S.O.L., and seriously angry with their surgeon, If you get one and it doesn't work, whatever you do don't lose the remote control! I've seen people that had it installed and then just let the battery run out and toss the remote. The problem with that is if it is MRI compatible, and you need another scan, the MRI tech has to physically see the remote and see that it has been turned off, BY THE REMOTE. The battery running out won't cut it. You'll have to buy another remote, just to show the tech that it's off, and they're not cheap. I know that's not first-hand experience but just a little food for thought.