FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Manufacture Date (Mfg.) on my product mean?
In the past, most supplements were labeled with an expiration date or "Use By" date in accordance with U.S. Pharmacopeial (USP) guidelines. Recently, the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines and regulations have been updated. Therefore, we are slowly changing our labels to display Manufacture (Mfg.) Date date instead of Expiration date.
You should not be concerned regarding the quality or freshness of our supplements, as long as the product has not aged more than 3 years since the MFG date shown on the bottle or label. All Pain & Stress Center products are kept in a climate controlled environment with no excessive temperature and sunlight.
How are natural supplements discovered?
Scientists at research labs are constantly analyzing the results of scientific studies to detect relationships between drugs, diet and health conditions. For instance, the discovery of the blood sugar benefits of cinnamon were accidentally discovered when diabetic volunteers exhibited improved blood sugar levels after eating apple pie. Further tests showed the beneficial ingredient to be cinnamon!
Have you used these products yourself?
All of the nutrition consultants and customer service reps at Pain & Stress use a variety of our products depending on their specific needs. We have employees ranging in age from 24 to 60. Naturally, older folks have age-related problems that the younger employees do not have. Our employees tend to be better educated about preventive health concerns, so the younger people consequently take Pancreatin 650, Brain Link, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Magnesium and T-L Vites on a daily basis. Female employees 45 and over take DHEA as hormone replacement, Chromium Pic to help with blood sugar and cholesterol, Lysine, Serrapeptase, Chondroitin Glucosamine and Celadrin, in addition to those listed above.
Also, we regularly purchase product for our family members to support memory, bladder control, sleep and pain control. These days, everyone at the Pain & Stress Center Products is increasingly aware of the need for disease prevention, taking Antioxidants such as Omega 3 Fish Oil, and Green Tea Extract daily. Dr. Birkner takes at least 10 of her products to support her own health and to control back pain. Dr. Birkner has severe allergies and takes a variety of supplements as well.
What does the new Manufacturing Date (Mfg. Date) mean?
Usually supplements are labeled with an expiration date or "Use By" date in accordance with the U.S. Pharmacopeial (USP) guidelines. Recently, the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines and regulations were updated. Therefore, we are slowly changing our labels to display “Manufacture” (MFG) date instead of an expiration date.
You should not be concerned regarding the quality or freshness of our supplements as long as the product has not aged more than three years since the MFG date shown on the bottle or label. We make sure the product is kept in a climate controlled environment avoiding excessive temperature or sunlight.
Can I talk to Dr. Birkner? Will you ask her a question for me?
Dr. Birkner's focus is research and product development and is no longer available for counseling or advice. She personally educates all of our nutritional consultants, who also attend ongoing training to be able to fully answer any question about any health condition that our products support.
How much does a nutritional consultation cost?
A consultation with one of our Certified Nutritional Consultants can be done in person or by phone at the following fees: $80 for 1 hour and $50 for 30 minutes. We have done consultations for 1 person, a couple, or as many as a family of 4 in any time frame, though a family consultation takes at least an hour. Before we can schedule a consultation, patient paperwork must be submitted. Call us at 1-800-669-2256 to arrange to receive it by fax or email. In addition to Nutritional Consults, we also offer Research and Interpretive Services. See our Client Service Request Form to access services and fees.
You have so many products. Where do I start?
We recommend starting with Brain Link — a complete neurotransmitter complex and a complete multivitamin and multi-mineral that has everything needed for basic nutrition. A good protocol for maintenance includes Brain Link, Magnesium Chloride, and Fish Oil. Those three basic nutritional products provide a good foundation from which you can build additional supplements for any specific health concerns you may have. Our catalog is divided into categories to help you find specific products. Call to request a catalog, or click here for our product directory. You can also find protocols for specific conditions in Dr Birkner’s books or you can request a nutritional consultation.
Can I take Brain Link with other supplements?
Yes. Brain Link can be used with any of our other products with the exception of Super Balanced Neurotransmitter Complex (SBNC) and T-L Vites. Brain Link is in powder form, whereas SBNC and T-L Vites provide many of the same ingredients in capsule form.
Can I mix amino acids into hot tea or coffee?
Heat such as boiling water destroys amino acids. They can be mixed with liquids that are cold or no warmer than room temperature.
My daughter is taking Teen Link. Will this interfere with her birth control pills?
Not at all. Teen Link only affects neurotransmitters that control brain function.
How do I use a homeopathic product?
Homeopathic products like Liquid Serotonin and NeuroLinks can be used as often as every 15 to 30 minutes until you get relief. Decrease the dosage to every hour upon symptom relief, then 2 hours, then 3 to 4, then 6 hours. If symptoms increase go back to the time interval that works for you.
Can I return this if it doesn't work for me?
We cannot accept returns of opened product. You may return unopened bottles to Pain & Stress Center Products within 30 days of invoice with verbal authorization from one of our reps. Call us at 1-800-669-2256 to arrange credit for returns.
I'm on a fixed income. Will you send me a free sample?
We offer samples for $1.39. This covers the cost of time and materials, plus the stamp to mail it. This usually necessitates the customer sending us a check, as most people don't want such a small charge on a credit card.
We occasionally get free samples for some products listed in our catalog which we send out along with orders. Or if a product becomes available for the first time, we often give free samples as a promotion.
Do you offer senior citizen discounts?
Yes, if you are 65 or older, we give a 10% discount. Call us at 1-800-669-2256 to get more information. In the meantime, we do have special promotions, and 2 for 1 discounts. Ask your customer rep what she or he can offer in the way of discount.
How long do I have to use this product before I see results?
You may see begin to see results within 3 to 4 days. Most people need to take supplements a week to 10 days before they notice changes. But you will get the best, long-term results once your body has thoroughly assimilated the ingredients, which generally takes 30 days, depending on your metabolism.
Will I have to take this forever?
For temporary or situational conditions, such as anxiety, stress or infection, your need for supplements will be short-term. Of course, if you're taking something preventive or to support a health condition or disease, long-term supplementation is advised.
Are the products addictive?
No, absolutely not. More than half of our customers use our products specifically to help them discontinue prescription drug use.
Are you open to the public on weekends?
We are closed weekends, but we have voice recorders for after-hour phone orders. Or you can order online with credit card or PayPal. Weekend orders are processed Monday morning and all orders Monday through Friday are shipped out same day up until 4:30 pm.
Where are you located?
We are located at:
Pain & Stress Center Products
8650 Bandera Rd.
Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78250