I know quite a bit - more than I really want to - about pain and I also know a lot about kratom (he writes while sitting in a zero gravity chair with remote keyboard and mouse).

Kratom is something I have researched thoroughly as well as personally used for years now. If anyone would like the information I compiled send ma email and I will send you the MS Word document I have. Or perhaps I can post it here later??

Basically, kratom is the best legal natural alternative to prescription pain killers I have found and, depending on which strain you get, can also be a very good mood elevator.

Although some of the main compounds in kratom act on the same body opiate receptors as opiates, it is non-addictive. As a matter of fact, the internet is replete with testimonials of people who have used kratom to beat addiciton to opiates such as hyrdrocodone and even oxycontin.

Now, it is not quite as strong as a small dose of hydrocodone and certainly nowhere near an oxycontin, but it does make a noticeable difference. With some people, it completely eliminates their pain and with others, such as myself, it makes it much more manageable but does not get rid of it entirely.

The best source I have found, by far, for price, quality and variety is:

http://www.thekratomking.com/

As it turns out, their least expensive strain is also the best one for pain relief: Bali Kratom. Not the green or the red Bali, just the regular Bali. And it gives a slight mood elevation too - though other varieties are considerably stronger when it comes to mood elevation, such as the Maeng Da that is known as "Pimp Daddy kratom".

You can typically get whichever you choose in already made capsules or for a substantial savings buy either loose leaf, regular grind powder, superfine in quantities and either mix it with something like yogurt or chocolate milk to cut down on the nasty taste or do as I did and buy a capsule maker and blank capsules and make your own - it isn't at all hard to do and the units are pretty inexpensive. My choice is the size 00 capsule maker and capsules.

One last thing: Do NOT buy kratom from Amazon. The kratom sold there is absolute junk!

I hope this helps!