People come to me all the time for a Second Opinion. They usually want something more holistic and natural or are trying to put off surgery. Another group of people come to me referred by their medical doctor as a last resort when the surgery didnt work, the injections didnt work, their Vioxx and Bextra were taken from them and they get tired from the constipation of narcotics. Their MD sends them to me when he doesnt have anymore ideas. Doctors want to help people and now there is more than sufficient evidence that shows natural, cost effective remedies can help people in pain, with little to no side effects. We really need to look at this because, one-sixth of every dollar in the U.S. economy, is spent on healthcare.

Second Opinion is a weekly informative and entertaining look at cutting edge solutions for natural pain care. Ideas in Second Opinion will help you live a happier more functional life. In Second Opinion Ill walk you through the system, from the inside, out. I will discuss what works with natural pain remedies. Ill let you know what to look for with your test results, help you find a good doctor, tell you what vitamin helps back pain. Well talk about glucosamine and if it really helps and what kind of mattress you should sleep on. Ill let you in on the mystery of acupuncture and what the deal is with antioxidants. In Second Opinion well look at the large body of proof that now exists so you can know where to start looking for relief.

So who am I, and how is my opinion going to help you? I draw my experience from working with the largest Primary Care Medical group in Colorado, the largest Occupational Medical Group in the United State and formerly with one of the best holistic medical clinics in the country. I get to see the most difficult cases, a variety of cases, and get to see what evidence based natural pain care can do for people. I get to work with medical doctors, help in diagnosis and offering up different treatment options. Many of these natural therapies can be and are used with traditional medical remedies, one enhancing the other, the patient benefiting the most. I'll provide you a Second Opinion and hope.

How do I know what Im going to tell you works? Well on a daily basis I have to prove myself with results. People wont come and doctors wont refer unless what I do works. I have to be a solution, and cost effective at that. To do that I use acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), nutrition for pain, joint manipulation and other natural remedies. I keep up on the massive literature dump that occurs on a weekly basis and bring it to my patients. The news is the worst possible place to get information on health. They sensationalize it, sell it and we get confused by it. Dont listen to health information from the news.

I have seen far too many people who continue to suffer with pain because they were never offered alternatives or saw any other type of healthcare provider either because their doctor didnt tell them or they didnt have the thought themselves. They didnt get a Second Opinion. Because of this they suffer needlessly and the quality of their life diminishes. Dont let your beliefs; pre conceived notions or past experiences keep you from finding a solution. Start asking questions, get on the internet, ask a family member or a friend. If your current pain treatment isnt helping, ask for a Second Opinion, for your own liberation.

Ill do my best to keep Second Opinion evidence based and to natural pain care but after almost 17 years in practice, my opinion and what Ive seen is bound to spill over. But after all its a Second Opinion you want.

Keep in mind this publication is solely meant to be informative and entertaining and not an alternative to proper medical diagnosis or treatment. Seek proper medical care if you have any symptoms.

And look for a Second Opinion next week.