Painful Penney asked in a letter to the editor if anyone has a better solution for pain management.

I had 20 years of pain building up and did two years of pain management here in Sun City. I asked to see the surgeon for my back at which time I was told I'm not ready for surgery. That was with an orthopedic doctor.

I did my own personal survey and found out the people who had neurological surgeons did fantastic. With orthopedic, they had more complications, second surgeries and rib cage, even continued pain.

I went to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Within months of being told I was not ready for surgery Dr. Kakarla at Barrow told me I was past surgery one, surgery two and needed the complete works, surgery three.

So much for I'm not ready for surgery. It was the best decision and gave me my life back. 

Editor’s note: This writer is using a pen name. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.