Recently, Paul (not his real name), came to the office for an annual medical check up. He said that he was feeling very well in general, with the exception of something that he was going to “correct” over the coming weekend. When I asked him if he wanted to share his problem with me, he told me that he was experiencing constant back pain. He described it as a sharp, intense pain in his lower back with some pain radiating to his legs. He was sure his problem was going to be resolved by the purchase of a new and different type of mattress.

After hearing his description of the problem, I explained to him where the real problem was and how to resolve it (it was not the mattress).  He was not very sure about my explanation, because he said his wife was experiencing the same problem. I informed him why the pain developed and I gave him very specific instructions on how to eliminate the pain at home.

About two weeks later he came back to the office to have the lab results from his annual physical reviewed. At that time, he said he was very happy that he discussed his back pain with me at the initial consultation. He said that after using my recommendations, his pain went away after a few days.  He also said his wife followed the same instructions, and her pain went away as well.  He let me know that I had saved him a lot of money because he did not need to purchase a new mattress at all!

This is an example of the power of Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Viviana Sokol
4300 N. University Drive, Suite D-100
Lauderhill, FL 33351