Questions to ask your doctor if you suffer from
back pain.
By: Kim Standerline
Questions to ask your doctor (and why)
Q...What's causing my pain
and why can't I have any further treatment...
Because chronic long
term pain isn't normal there is nearly always a reason for it. Until the
reason is clearly identified, how can anyone say no further treatment is
available? (Don't be fobbed off),
Q...How long shall I give the
current treatment to work...
Some treatments may take days or weeks
to obtain the full effect. Make sure before you leave the surgery you have
established how long it will be before you can reasonably expect to obtain
results.
Q..What other tests and investigations are available...
You don't
want to endure unnecessary tests, but ensure you have had all the
investigations etc that will benefit you.
Q...What other forms of
treatment can I try...
Many people are kept on the same treatment for
years even though it's obviously not working, or their drug therapy may be
hopelessly wrong.
New ways of managing back pain are constantly
being developed.
Take in leaflets and books etc you've been reading
to the surgery and ask your doctor about the possibility of being involved
in any trials etc that may be available.(There may be just the right
treatment for you).
Q...I'm in so much pain, Why aren't you doing
more for me...
Even though the doctor knows you're in pain, he just
might not have the right treatment available to offer you. You may have to
accept this, (But look at alternative forms of treatment as well).
Q...What about any new developments, there must be something to help me...
Ask to be kept informed, and tell your doctor you wish to be considered for
treatment as soon as it becomes available.
Q...Can you refer me to
anyone else...
Many people with chronic pain gain comfort from other
therapies such as physiotherapy, psychologists, counsellors and
specialist pain clinics. Ask your doctor to refer you to one of these, (It
may help).
One last thing, don't ever assume it's not worth going
back to your doctors because you have had your pain for ages, (especially if
you never had a proper diagnosis), because it's never to late to get one...
Just think, a more careful investigation of your symptoms may lead to a more
effective treatment.
Don't give up until you have exhausted every
avenue (And hey even then don't give up)...
Hope this helps you for
when you next visit your doctor...
About the Author
Kim Standerline is a back care Advisor working for a large Hospital Trust.
She's passionate about Back Care and can be found at
www.backpain-free.com and
www.nursing-hints.com
