Back Pain: Finding the Right Doctor
Back Pain: Finding the Right Doctor
If the Surgeon Says "Operate," You Say... Four questions to put to your doctor when the "S" word comes up. Make sure you're totally satisfied with the answers before you leave.
"What would happen if I waited?"
While there are some rare conditions in which surgery is required quickly (your spine has become unstable, for example, or you have neurological complications), usually there's time to give other things a chance to work.
"How can I be sure surgery would be best for my condition?"
You want evidence; ask for statistics and studies. At ethicaldoctor.org, you can find reviews of many back procedures, along with a star-rating system that tells you how reliable the studies are.
"What can I try instead?"
A good surgeon should be familiar with other treatments — and comfortable discussing them with you.
"What are the risks?"
If the doctor dismisses possible complications, or doesn't acknowledge that problems may crop up afterward, run (or hobble) to another practitioner.
Originally published on November 12, 2009
Related content on goodhousekeeping.com
Back Pain: Finding the Right Doctor
What to Ask Before Surgery
If the Surgeon Says "Operate," You Say... Four questions to put to your doctor when the "S" word comes up. Make sure you're totally satisfied with the answers before you leave.
"What would happen if I waited?"
While there are some rare conditions in which surgery is required quickly (your spine has become unstable, for example, or you have neurological complications), usually there's time to give other things a chance to work.
"How can I be sure surgery would be best for my condition?"
You want evidence; ask for statistics and studies. At ethicaldoctor.org, you can find reviews of many back procedures, along with a star-rating system that tells you how reliable the studies are.
"What can I try instead?"
A good surgeon should be familiar with other treatments — and comfortable discussing them with you.
"What are the risks?"
If the doctor dismisses possible complications, or doesn't acknowledge that problems may crop up afterward, run (or hobble) to another practitioner.
Originally published on November 12, 2009
Related content on goodhousekeeping.com
- 52 Fast Tricks to Beat Stress
- Tired All the Time? Find Out Why!
- 12 Surprising Diet Traps to Avoid
- At-Home Hair Color, Salon-Worthy Results
- 8 Easy Fat Burning Exercises
