Inclusion Criteria:  Any patient being considered for entry into the trial will undergo an American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) assessment and evaluation for evidence of pain by a trained examiner. To be included in the study, patients must meet all of the following inclusion criteria that are chosen to best represent the patients most likely to show benefit from this intervention in this particular study design:  History and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging / computed tomography MRI/CT) consistent with a traumatic, thoracic SCI Thoracic ASIA-A clinical exam that is consistent with history and radiology Chronic pain (i.e., Pain >3 for > 3 months, on > 50% of the days); Willing and able to provide informed consent 1 to 5-years after injury 22-65 years of age Medically stable enough to undergo surgical implantation of an SCS / participate in rehabilitation regimens.  Exclusion Criteria:  Potential participants will be told that they would be randomized to one of 2 SCS programs (early or late) for reducing pain and potentially making it easier to carry out daily activities. All participants will provide informed consent. Patients with any of the following exclusion criteria will be prevented from entering the study:  Complete cord transection or radiographic evidence of extensive cord injury Persistent spinal instability or other injury preventing ability to participate Active infection Severe autoimmune disease Comorbid neurodegenerative disease Comorbid psychosis or psychotic disorder Necessity for other large medical procedures that may impact ability to participate Untreated, clinically significant depression Active drug or alcohol abuse Inability to obtain an MRI due to metallic implant or other reason Once found eligible, the patients will then undergo the SCS surgery and be randomized to either the treatment or the placebo group.