by Wood D

You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with low back pain and sciatica. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

Here are some tips that will make it simpler for you to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
  • Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
  • Think about keeping a diary of your symptoms, triggers, and a list of your medicines. Share this with your doctor at every visit.
    • What is causing my back pain?
    • What is sciatica? Could my pain be from sciatica?
    • Am I at risk for low back pain and sciatica based on my health history, lifestyle, and family background?
    • How can I prevent low back pain and sciatica?
    • How do I best treat low back pain and sciatica?
    • Will I need to have surgery?
    • What medicines are available to help me?
      • What are the benefits/side effects of these medicines?
      • Will these medicines interact with other medicines, over the counter products, or supplements I am already taking?
    • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that can help me?
    • Should I exercise?
      • What kind of exercise is best?
      • How often should I exercise?
      • How do I get started with an exercise program?
    • How can I find help to quit smoking?
    • Do I need to lose weight? If so, how much?
    • Do I need to stop taking part in sports or physical activities?
    • How do I know that my prevention or treatment program is working?
    • Will I always feel low back pain and sciatica?
    • Will the back pain worsen as I grow older?
    • Will I need to find a different job?

    References

    Acute low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-low-back-pain. Accessed May 5, 2022.

    Chronic low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-low-back-pain. Accessed May 5, 2022.

    Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed May 9, 2022.

    Low back pain. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/low-back-pain. Accessed May 5, 2022.

    Sciatica. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica. Accessed May 5, 2022.

    Sciatica. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sciatica. Accessed May 5, 2022.

    Revision Information