Seeing A Spine Doctor: How To Prepare

Preparing to see any new doctor for the first time can be a bit stressful. You don’t know what to expect, whether you will feel comfortable with this new person, and what you need to bring and communicate. If your back and spine are the problem, you’re already in pain, so seeing a spine doctor should be as painless as possible.

Reach Out To Your Current Provider

Ask your current provider to send all your medical records, scans, tests, radiology and imaging reports and all other appropriate information to Spine & Scoliosis Specialists. If this was a referral, it might already have happened. You might also ask your primary care provider to write out a synopsis of their treatment thus far and their diagnosis.

doctor holding a model of a human spine pointing to one of its segments with a metal stick

Double check before your appointment day that Spine & Scoliosis Specialists has received these documents.

Gather Your Own Personal And Family Medical Information

Your new spine doctor will want to know if anyone in your family has had spine or other medical issues. Does cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure run in your family?

Spend some time and write down your experiences with your spine pain.

  • What are the symptoms and what seems to be the trigger?
  • Did the pain begin after an injury?
  • Do you have numbness or tingling?
  • Is your pain mild, moderate, or severe?
  • Do you have any mobility issues?
  • List all your medications

Bring this list with you along with anything else you need to share with your spine doctor.

Prepare A List Of Questions

It’s easy to forget things when sitting in a doctor’s office, so prepare your questions ahead of time and bring them to the appointment.

Then Ask More Questions

Don’t be timid. If you’re unsure about what the spine doctor is telling you, ask them repeat it or explain further.

Before you leave, know what the treatment plan will be and what the next steps are.

One last recommendation: be on time.

Contact Spine & Scoliosis Specialists at 336.333.6306, or request an appointment online,  for treatment if you are experiencing spine pain or nerve pain.