Pain can sometimes feel inescapable. It’s easy for patients to get tunnel vision and feel as if relief is always going to be just out of reach. Trust us, you’re not alone in feeling this way – we talk to patients every single day who have had the same experience. Oftentimes, one of the most important things these patients are missing is simply a fresh perspective on their ailment and their treatment. That’s one of the reasons we believe so much in getting second opinions when it comes time to take back your health!

Why would I need a second opinion?

It’s an easy question; many people trust their primary physician and don’t understand why it would be necessary to get a second opinion with their chronic pain. It’s important to remember doctors are human and that they aren’t infallible. A 2011 study discovered that 47 percent of physicians surveyed have had diagnostic errors in their practices at least monthly. The same study also found 64 percent of those doctors said that up to 10 percent of those misdiagnoses directly resulted in patient harm.

Identifying the cause of your pain requires a team who is willing to sit down at length and ask the right questions. Put simply, there is no standard treatment plan – every single patient requires a treatment tailored to their unique situation. Before you can get back on the road to recovery, the first step always needs to be coming to the right diagnosis, and that’s why it’s so important to get multiple opinions.

How can a second opinion help alleviate my pain?

As we mentioned, it’s so important that your treatment is based around the correct diagnosis. A second opinion can help reach a better diagnosis and allow you to make more informed decisions for your health.

Additionally, second opinions can be a great way to find more than just one treatment option for your pain. Despite what some think, there are frequently numerous avenues of treatment available for each patient instead of just one “run-of-the-mill” solution. By exploring those other options, patients can find the path forward that works best for them.

Looking in more than one place for solutions can also lead you to doctors who have more experience in treating pain! Primary care physicians are great at what they do, but so are chronic pain specialists. Second opinions help you find the right facility and doctor to best address your needs.

How would I go about getting a second opinion?

Getting a second opinion is simple! Here at Integrated Pain Solutions, we offer complimentary second opinions for those looking for better options. After reviewing your medical records and scans, we can help determine whether you’re likely to benefit from our non-invasive, non-surgical treatment options, and we’ll always tell you exactly what we think would be best for your health.

Many people are apprehensive about getting a second opinion. They’re worried their doctor will be frustrated with them. Doctors, however, typically encourage their patients to seek more information to make better decisions for their health care. Our team at Integrated Pain Solutions has years of experience in collaborating with other health care providers to bring the best solutions to our patients. This includes working with world-class orthopedic surgeons who treat the same professional athletes and Olympians that we do!

You’ve heard the adage: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” The same goes for health care – your health is far too important to stake solely on one doctor’s opinion. Don’t be afraid to seek out second opinions and find the right path to recovery, because there is almost no better way to find the best option for you!

When it comes time to get that second opinion, reach out to our experts at Integrated Pain Solutions. We’ve got decades of experience in treating pro athletes, Olympians, and everyday people who suffer from chronic pain, and we would love to help you find the best path forward. Contact us for a no-cost consultation, and see what we can do to get your health back!