As a busy and successful interventional pain specialist, I see a lot of back and neck pain, some acute, some chronic. I have seen numerous patients that fall through the cracks in our health care system. Many patients' treatments are often delayed because of improper referrals or improper treatment. I don't think there is enough education in the medical community as well as in the general public in regards to the minimally invasive treatments that exist. Many of the ailments described in the aforementioned could easily be treated by some of the methods I use in my practice daily with great success. I have come to the conclusion that interventionalists, like myself, should be the 'gate keepers' in the realm of pain. Patients should come to us with their pain issues and we should be the ones to direct their appropriate course of treatment. Surgeons typically want to 'cut', physical therapists want to improve range of motion and chiropractors typically want to manipulate. All these treatments are useful when it's appropriate. An interventionalist has the tools and knowledge to guide the patient in the best treatment that is the most efficient and offers the best results. I have seen too many patients get passed along and are in pain for months before coming to see me, not to mention waste valuable health care dollars and resources. This has to end. Randy Huggins Pharmaspider.com