OBJECTIVES: The societal burden of low back pain (with/without leg pain) is substantial. A small proportion of these patients require surgical treatment, but for some, pain remains despite surgery. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), where electrodes are implanted into the epidural space, is a treatment option when pain, predominantly leg pain, does not respond to surgery or other therapies. SCS is increasingly used in Swedish clinical practice. However, little is known concerning the impact of SCS on resource utilization and associated costs. This study’s objective was to analyze the societal cost patterns in patients treated with SCS after unsuccessful lumbar surgery. METHODS: Patients treated with SCS after lumbar spine surgery during 2000–2012 were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register. Additional data were extracted from 6 Swedish national registers, including the quality register for spine surgery Swespine. Costs were calculated over 3 years in annual intervals before/after initial spine surgery and SCS implantation, respectively. Costs are presented in EUR (€), 2016. RESULTS: In total, 298 patients treated with SCS after spine surgery were identified. Mean time from initial surgery to SCS was 4.3 years. Mean annual total cost increased pre-spine surgery (3 years before: €19,341; 2 years before: €24,256; 1 year before: €39,537), and plateaued at a higher level over 3 years post-surgery (year 1: €56,164; year 2: €54,478; year 3: €54,558). During year 3–1 pre-SCS, mean annual total cost was €57,013. Post-SCS, mean annual total cost was €55,531 during the first year, €41,725 the second year and €37,303 the third year. Assuming that patients would remain at pre-SCS level and excluding the SCS cost, the cost reduction over 3 years was estimated at €27,656. CONCLUSIONS: The initial spine surgery did not have impact on societal cost in patients who were subsequently treated with SCS. However, costs decreased over time following SCS implantation.