Preparing for an appointment

If your back pain persists despite home treatment, see your doctor. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Key personal information, including mental or emotional stressors in your life
• Your symptoms, and when they began
• All medications, vitamins and other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive.

For back pain, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is the most likely cause of my back pain?
• Do I need diagnostic tests?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• If you're recommending medications, what are the possible side effects?
• I have other medical conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• How long will I need treatment?
• What self-care measures should I try?
• What can I do to prevent a recurrence of back pain?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• When did your back pain begin?
• Have you ever injured your back?
• Is the pain constant?
• Does the pain affect your ability to function? If so, how much?
• Do you have other signs or symptoms besides back pain?
• Do you do heavy physical work?
• Do you exercise regularly? What types of activities do you do?
• How often do you feel depressed or anxious?
• Do you sleep well?
• What treatments or self-care measures have you tried so far? Has anything helped?