my recommendation is for chronic INTRACTABLE pain and degenerative disc disease, but I DIDN'T take any pharmas to "eliminate" them as a not working alternative; i chose from the beginning to use alternative medical (my right as an adult patient) and REFUSED to take pharma, have surgery, thus effectively eliminating them as an option for treatment by MY choice...and for years chose to pursue alternative treatments; once i explained that, and my personal convictions, I didn't have any problem getting my recommendation.
good luck!
love,
ion