Abnormal thalamocortical dynamics have been proposed as the underlying mechanism for a subset of neurological and psychiatric disorders that include centrally generated pain. Spectral analysis and independent component-based localization of neuromagnetic signals reveal ongoing theta-range activity localized to physiologically significant cortical regions in a group of subjects with well-characterized central and peripheral lesions. In addition, recordings from subjects who failed to obtain relief from spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and from those in whom SCS was successful further delineate thalamocortical dysrhythmias as a mechanism that underlies chronic pain.