Are you considering laser back surgery? If you’ve been suffering from chronic back pain and have not been able to find a conservative solution that works for you, you may be thinking about back surgery. Fortunately, thanks to minimally invasive surgical options back surgery no longer has to mean a large incision, an extended recovery period, and a lengthy hospital stay. Your first step is to make sure you have an accurate diagnosis for your pain. To get the most out of your initial consultation at the Spine Institute Northwest, follow these tips.
Inventory What You’ve Tried
Though it might feel like reciting a litany of failures, having documentation of everything you’ve tried — from over-the-counter pain medications to physical therapy — will help your surgeon to understand the history of your pain. Write down every kind of intervention you’ve tried (whether on your own or with the assistance of a medical professional), and try to be as specific as possible. When did you start? When did you stop? Did you experience any relief, and if so, how long did it last? If you took any medications — OTC or prescription — note the dosage and how long you were taking it.
Gather Your Pics
Even if you’ve already uploaded your files, you should still bring any imaging studies that you’ve had done. This includes MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans — the actual images, not just what another physician had to say about them. If you need to have new imaging done, these will help in assessing whether your condition has progressed or changed. They can also aid in making an accurate diagnosis.
Make a List of Questions
In the days leading up to your appointment, if you have specific questions — maybe you heard about a possible treatment from someone you know, or read about a procedure that you thought might help your case — write them down somewhere. Jot them on a list or keep a running tally on your phone. You might not remember everything off the top of your head once you’re at your appointment, but if you have a reminder with you, you’ll be able to get answers directly from your surgeon.
Keep Calm and Get the Help You Need
If you’ve been waiting for an accurate diagnosis, trying to surmount healthcare system hurdles, and lest we forget, dealing with constant debilitating pain, it’s not surprising that you feel frustrated. You want less pain, and you want it now — and at the Spine Institute Northwest, we definitely get it! Pulling together these different materials can feel like yet another obstacle in your journey to a better, less painful life. Keep it in perspective — we want nothing more than to help you get back your life, and if you’re able to provide as thorough of a case history as possible, you’ll be that much closer to relief.
Want to get started with our team? Call the Spine Institute Northwest today at (888) 712-0318!
1 comment. Leave new
I have spurs in my neck and I believe they are causing my daily severe headaches!