Disclosed are methods for detecting neuronal oscillation in the spinal cord of a subject. The methods can be utilized to determine that the subject has a disease or disorder of the spinal cord. The methods are useful for treating or reducing the likelihood of pain in a subject by detecting neuronal oscillation in the spinal cord and, e.g., administering a therapeutic agent to the subject. The electrode (LFP) methods disclosed herein may also be utilized to screen for a therapeutic agent that decreases neuronal oscillation in the spinal cord using a non-human animal subject.