How to Discuss Back Pain With a Doctor

Many people suffer from some degree of back pain and find relief with occasional over the counter medication. But for more than 70 million people in the U.S., the pain sticks around, interfering with their lives and dictating their level of activity and mobility. If you're one who has been suffering in silence, it's time to make an appointment and discuss your back pain with a doctor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Think about how to describe the pain to your doctor. Use adjectives, such as dull, throbbing, searing, stabbing or radiating. He or she will want to know where the pain is located and how it travels through your body. You will usually be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being "extreme."
2. Tell your doctor when the pain started and if it was associated with any particular activity, such as running, bending over, falling, etc. It will be important for diagnostic purposes to know what makes it feel better, what makes it feel worse, what medication you've taken and if and how it has helped or not.
3. Answer the doctor's questions about any other physical problems or emotional upsets or challenges in your life, both current and those present at the onset of the pain or the injury. Some physicians will explore the mind/body connection.
4. Have any tests and consultations with other physicians requested by your doctor performed as soon as possible. These may include a CAT scan, MRI, X-rays and appointments with neurologists and/or pain management specialists.
5. Make a follow up appointment with your doctor to review test results and notes from consulting physicians. You'll then be provided with information about the various kinds of treatments that might be helpful for your particular problem. Solutions will probably include one or some of the following: oral pain medication, cortisone shots, exercises, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and as a last resort, surgical intervention.

Tips & Warnings

• For a natural pain killer, try omega-3. Studies have shown fish oil to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Found in fish, omega-3 fish oil can also be purchased in capsules that don't leave you with a fishy aftertaste.
• It is vital to consult with a physician before taking any supplements or over the counter medications or attempting any exercises when you are suffering from back pain.