Visiting the Doctor For Back Pain: What To Ask And Tell

You've decided to see a physician about back pain; now it's time to prepare for your appointment. While it may seem that the initial appointment requires no prior thought, you're likely to get the kind of treatment you want and need faster if you come prepared with questions to ask and information to give your doctor.

Questions for the Doctor

1. Ask your doctor what the usual course of diagnosis and treatment is. The answer will partly depend on the symptoms you exhibit. If you don't have "red flag" symptoms like referred pain, numbness and weakness in the leg, then diagnostic imaging tests should not be mentioned right off the bat. If these are suggested, your doctor may be setting you up for unnecessary expenses.

2. Ask if your doctor is willing to work with other health professionals, such as chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists or other complementary and alternative health professionals as part of your treatment plan. A multidisciplinary approach can be beneficial when dealing with back pain, a notoriously difficult condition to diagnose and treat.

3. Ask for activity advice. There is almost no situation that calls for bed rest for more than two days, but if you are uncertain of what types of activity could harm you, you may find yourself hesitant to move much. This can be detrimental to your recovery, as exercise is important for back health. Ask your doctor if your symptoms pose a problem for your work responsibilities, home life or hobbies.

4. Ask your doctor to list all possible treatment options for back pain. If pain medication and surgery are the main responses, proceed with caution. Medication should only be used when your pain significantly disrupts your ability to function, and it should never be the only course of treatment pursued. Surgery is always a last resort, rarely necessary for back pain and should only be considered in the short term if you have red flag symptoms.

5. Ask about the risks of treatments. You may not think to do this, as it is generally expected that doctors will fully explain benefits and risks of treatments. However, a Consumer Reports survey showed, alarmingly, that over a quarter of respondents who had spinal surgery said they weren't informed about risks. You can't assume that your doctor will always do the right thing. See more on the survey at http://news.consumerreports.org/health/2010/04/invasive-back-surgery-on-the-rise-despite-the-evidence-back-pain-compression-spinal-fusion.html.

Things to Tell Your Doctor

1. You may not think that your mental and physical health are related, but they are. A plethora of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of anxiety, depression and outlook on recovery and pain perception in people with back pain, and it is hard to find one with inconclusive results. The way you feel mentally and emotionally can have an immense impact on how you feel physically. If you have anxiety, negative thought patterns or any other psychological difficulty, it would be wise to consider adding a psychological component like cognitive behavioral therapy to your treatment plan. This type of therapy helps you cope with pain and be proactive about treatment.

2. Tell your doctor if you have had drug abuse problems in the past, or if you simply prefer to treat medication as a last resort. Writing a prescription for medication is a default for some physicians; be sure you're working with someone who is willing to accommodate your preferences.

3. Tell your doctor if you're interested in pursuing alternative forms of therapy. In some states, you need a referral to see a chiropractor or physical therapist; treatments like massage, acupuncture and movement therapy usually aren't covered. See if your doctor is willing to prescribe alternative therapies or at least work with other professionals; this could inform you right off the bat if you should be looking for a different doctor. See http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam for information on complementary and alternative forms of treatment.

4. Some people are comfortable not knowing details; others feel anxious without them. Let your doctor know what your information preferences are. While there are plenty of good doctors who make an effort to give each patient adequate time in which to explain what is happening with them, it is unfortunately not uncommon to encounter patients who leave with scant understanding of their condition or the treatments prescribed.

Asking important questions and giving essential information about your preferences are as essential as describing your symptoms on the first visit. Being prepared for your first appointment will give you a better chance of receiving effective treatment.