having studied and worked in the medical research/ scientific field for many years made me kinda sceptical of some of the methods and controls used to get results, so I dont pay as high homage to "scientific studies"
anecdotal are just that...stories of personal experiences and yes, as with all info, need to be checked out thoroughly, and weighed up with one's own specific health needs.
quackwatch blacklists some sites (eg Latititudes/ACN) and authors that were instrumental in life changing positive results for my son, so I take what is said there with the knowledge that it is one doctor's opinion on things he disagrees with. Some of his warnings are very valid...but some are just clearly slanted from his prejudice against alternative/natural treatments
anyways, enough of that....and back to the topic at hand, re Andrea's situation
Andrea, hoping that whatever your decide to do about this will result in relief and healing for your pain