A second opinion increases your knowledge about your procedure and condition, which empowers you to make better decisions about your care. For example, your first surgeon may recommend traditional open back surgery, while your second one believes that a minimally-invasive approach is in your best interest. The discrepancy doesn’t mean that one is right and one is wrong – it just means that there are different ways to handle your pain. A second opinion gives you all the facts so that you can select the treatment plan that is aligned with your goals and preferences.