K-ClinicDisc Herniation Second Opinion Korea: Dr.Google Pain Clinic
Dr.Google Pain Medicine in Anyang, Korea says that patients who have already been advised to have surgery are welcome to hear other options. The clinic judges by MRI, symptoms and whether there is muscle weakness, and where there is no progressive paralysis it may first consider non-surgical treatment such as injections. For a second opinion, bring your MRI images (disc or files), records and medication, and send them to K-Clinic in advance so the doctor can review them before you travel.
Even if surgery was recommended, you can hear other options
Dr.Google Pain Medicine's approach to disc herniation is to first see whether surgery can be avoided. The clinic states clearly that patients who have already been advised to have surgery are welcome to hear other options.
Many people feel shaken after hearing "you need surgery": is it really necessary, and is there another way? Wanting to see another specialist is perfectly natural. This guide explains how to prepare if you want a second opinion in Korea, so your trip is not wasted.
To be clear, this is not about giving up on the surgical recommendation. The purpose is to hear how another specialist reads your imaging and symptoms, and the final decision still depends on the examination and your own judgement.
How the clinic judges: MRI, symptoms, muscle weakness
The clinic states three bases for its judgement: MRI, symptoms, and whether there is muscle weakness.
The key statement is this: where there is no progressive paralysis, non-surgical treatment such as injections can be considered first. Conversely, if numbness or paralysis is getting worse, or you cannot use your ankle or toes with strength, the doctor's direction will differ, so be sure to mention these.
In other words, the value of a second opinion is that the doctor looks at your imaging, symptoms and muscle strength together. Bringing only a report and not describing your symptoms makes it hard to get a useful answer.
What to bring: imaging discs, records, medication list
Based on the clinic's preparation list, K-Clinic recommends bringing the following:
- MRI, CT and X-ray images: bring discs or files. If you only have a paper report, ask us first.
- Medical records or a diagnosis from home: write down why the doctor recommended surgery, so the Korean doctor can compare.
- Medication you take: especially anticoagulants and painkillers. Tell the clinic first.
- How your symptoms have changed: where the pain is, any weakness, and whether numbness is getting worse.
Please confirm the image file format and whether the doctor can look at it beforehand when you contact us.
What happens at the first visit
The first visit includes an interview, a physical examination and imaging to confirm the source of the pain, and treatment can be given the same day if appropriate. From the first visit and examination to follow-up after treatment, Director Koo Jae-won (구재원), an anesthesiology and pain medicine specialist with a medical doctorate, is personally in charge.
If you only want an opinion and do not necessarily want same-day treatment, tell us when you book and we will pass this on to the clinic.
The clinic describes its approach this way: it confirms the nerve and treatment position with C-arm imaging and approaches the source of pain with an extremely fine MTS microneedle; steroids are used only after careful consideration and are avoided wherever possible.
Planning your trip: ask first, then book the return flight
The number of pain treatment sessions differs from person to person, and follow-up treatment is sometimes needed. For a second opinion trip, we recommend that you tell us how many days you can stay first, have the doctor confirm whether it is enough, and then book your return flight.
Choose a visit day that is not a closed day. After treatment most people can walk the same day, and can rest in the 8th-floor day ward for 6 hours or more before returning to their accommodation.
Opening hours: Mon, Fri 09:30–20:00, Tue 14:30–20:00, Wed 09:30–19:00, Sat 09:30–14:00, closed Thursdays and Sundays. Address: Downtown Building, 214 Simin-daero, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 7th floor (treatment rooms) and 8th floor (ward), about a 5-minute walk from Beomgye Station on Line 4, with parking in the building.
Common questions from international patients
Q. Can I just hear an opinion without being treated the same day?
Tell us first and we will pass it on to the clinic. Whether to treat depends on the examination and your wishes.
Q. I have had numbness in my hand or foot for a long time. Can I still ask?
Yes. Please describe the location and extent of the numbness. Numb fingers can also come from carpal tunnel syndrome or an elbow nerve problem, which a doctor needs to distinguish by examination.
Q. How much does it cost?
The clinic does not publish prices. Please confirm the cost at the consultation.
Book Dr.Google Pain Medicine through K-Clinic
For a second opinion, the easiest way is to use the Request booking button or the live chat on this website for a free consultation.
Send us your symptoms and your doctor's recommendation, MRI and other imaging, the medication you take, and how many days you can stay. We check visit time slots and whether your itinerary is long enough with the clinic. Once the booking is made, we tell you your arrival time and the address.
The number of pain treatment sessions differs from person to person, and actual treatment depends on the examination. The clinic does not publish prices, so please confirm the cost at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask a Korean pain clinic after being advised to have surgery?
Yes. Dr.Google Pain Medicine says patients who have already been advised to have surgery can come to hear other options. Whether non-surgical treatment is suitable is judged by the doctor from the MRI, symptoms and any muscle weakness.
What should I bring for a second opinion?
Bring MRI, CT or X-ray images and records from your doctor at home, on a disc or as files. Tell the clinic about any medication you take, especially anticoagulants and painkillers.
Can I definitely avoid surgery?
No guarantee can be given. The clinic's position is that without progressive paralysis, non-surgical treatment such as injections can be considered first, and the actual direction depends on the examination.
How do I book Dr.Google Pain Medicine through K-Clinic?
Use the Request booking button on this website or the live chat to tell K-Clinic your symptoms, imaging and how many days you can stay. We confirm visit days and time slots with the clinic and send your arrival time and address once the booking is made.
Clinics in this article
About 5 min walk from Beomgye Station (Line 4)
