Any type of back pain can take a toll on your life. If you have occasional pain that is muscular in nature, you will soon learn how to exercise to avoid a flare up, and what you may have done to cause the problem. If you have deeper spinal issues with the structure of your back, or with the discs that are continued between each bone, you may have to get to know your back doctor very well. It is important that you communicate well with them so that they know the full scope of what is going on with your pain and your back.
If you are the type that is intimidated by a doctor that seems busy, you aren't going to get much help from your back doctor. They are always busy. It often takes a while to get in to see a back specialist, and if you do not make the most of your time, you are not going to get any help with your back pain. Most back doctors do not mean to be brusk and hurried, but it is the nature of what they do. You have to speak up while you are in the office and not worry about making them late. If you have paid for an appointment, you should get what you pay for.
Sometimes, a back doctor may tell you things that you do not understand. If they tell you that you have a disc out between your L3 and L4, but you have no idea what that means, make sure you ask. Sure, you could go home and look it up, but your doctor should be explaining it to you. Most of the time, your back doctor is just going to assume you know what that means if you do not ask, so make sure you speak up. They are so use to those terms that they just assume you know. Do not let him or her leave until you have asked what each term means you did not understand.
When going to see your back doctor, take a list of what you want to ask with you. Write it all down so that you do not forget to ask anything. This is something you should do with any doctor when you feel that they are too hurried and that your health concerns are not being met or that you simply are not getting as much information that you need. They will always ask if you have questions, and most sit there and shrug because everything flew out of their head. A list assures that you don't forget anything.
If you are not sure what to ask your back doctor, there are some common things you want to know. You should ask where in your back the damage has occurred, what the end treatment might be (whether it be surgery, physical therapy or something else), and what you can do at home while you are waiting for your next appointment or treatment to happen. Also find out what an emergency might be so you know when to get help. You should ask about restrictions so you know what would make it worse, and also what exercise is okay with your particular back problem. Not moving is one of the worst things for almost any back issue.