I was a firefighter/EMT-I for 17 years until I blew out my back at age 37. I had artificial disc replacement surgery at Yale Hosp. But my spine never got better...it actually seemed to get worse. It took me 5+ years to finally get a proper diagnosis from an RA Dr. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. It's a type of severe spine degeneration that also spreads to the large joints of the body. I have been in severe pain (which causes depression) for almost 16 years now. I found Dr. Turok when I was approx 39yrs old, and he has been my savior ever since. He does not just prescribe pain meds and send you on your way, he works with you to find other alternatives to alleviate pain as much as he can...they have acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, Physical Therapy and my personal favorite, PRP injections!!! Platelet-Rich Plasma injections treat torn tendons, tendinitis, muscle injuries, arthritis-related pain, and joint injuries. I have had over a dozen surgeries and i vow NEVER to have another one unless i'm dying. About a year ago i tried the PRP injection in my left wrist, then my left torn knee and next my torn left shoulder. It's mind blowing how good this proceedure works, your own body healing itself!! Its truly amazing!!!! Its over an hour drive 1 way for me, and i HATE driving (causes a lot of back pain) but knowing Dr Turok and his wonderful staff can help me with the daily chronic pain from A.S. (so I can keep working another 8 years until I retire) make all the pain and time spent driving down there worth while. P.s. No I was not paid to type this, it PRP really works and this office & staff really is amazing. Without them I wouldn't be able to work, I would be miserable, home on the couch probably 400lbs and severely depressed...give them a try if your dealing with chronic pain too.