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If you’re one of the approximately 80% of Americans living with chronic back pain, you may be at risk of being over treated or undergoing more aggressive treatment too soon. Both in the U.S. and abroad, the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of back pain start with more conservative approaches, including: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications... Read More

If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious, complex, or rare condition or if your doctor has recommended elective (non-emergency) surgery, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. There are several ways that a second opinion can help you make an informed medical decision: It can confirm that your original diagnosis and treatment plan... Read More

If your doctor has recommended that you undergo elective (non-emergency) surgery, for example surgical treatment for chronic back pain or joint replacement, there are a number of factors to consider before deciding whether to move forward with the surgery. First, consider getting a second opinion to learn what other treatment options may be available. Your... Read More

If you’re thinking about hip or knee replacement, you’re not alone. Statistics from a Mayo Clinic study found that in a 10 year period, the number of people who underwent hip replacement more than doubled to 300,000 people per year. This was an increase of 92% in people 75 and older and 205% in people... Read More

If your doctor has recommended back surgery for chronic back pain, your next step should be to learn about the factors that may affect the outcome of your surgery. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of surgery and what you can do to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome are the keys to making... Read More

If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer or your doctor has recommended surgery, your instinct may be to start treatment as quickly as possible. That may not be the best course of action, however, because undergoing some types of treatment may mean that you’re not able to undergo others if the... Read More

If you’re one of the more than 117 million Americans living with chronic health problems, your health may be causing you to miss work or may make it more difficult to do your job. There are a number of steps you can take to better manage chronic health problems, which can improve your overall wellbeing,... Read More

There has been a significant increase in the number of people who undergo spinal fusion surgery to treat back and leg pain, but a new study suggests that spinal fusion may not be the most appropriate treatment for many of these people. The goal of the study was to compare pain relief and the ability... Read More

If your physician has told you that you need surgery, you may want to explore your non-surgical treatment options first. There are a number of conditions, from back pain to clogged arteries in the heart, for which there may be effective, non-surgical treatments. Questions to ask when surgery is recommended The first step is to... Read More

If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious, complex, or rare medical condition or your physician has told you that you need surgery, the next step you take should be to seek a second opinion. What difference can a second opinion make? A very significant one in many cases. Reason #1: To protect yourself against misdiagnosis... Read More