Treatment Options: The Big Picture

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Asking questions is not rude — it's important:

You might feel like you should just "leave it to the doctor." But no one knows your body better than you do. The location of your pain, how severe it is, when it's at its worst — your doctor needs to hear this from you. Asking questions leads to better care.

Here are some questions to bring to your next appointment:

1. "Given my symptoms, which treatment would you recommend starting with?"

   • This helps you understand the most appropriate starting point for your situation

2. "How long should I try conservative treatment before considering other options?"

   • This gives you a clear timeline and helps you plan ahead

3. "In my case, can surgery address the source of my pain? How extensive would the surgery be?"

   • This helps clarify whether a surgical target exists and the scope of the procedure (e.g., how many levels would need to be fused)

4. "Could spinal cord stimulation (SCS) be an option for me?"

   • Especially if extensive fusion is being considered, it's worth asking whether trying SCS first makes sense

5. "Given my age and overall health, is surgery a safe option for me?"

   • This addresses the feasibility and safety of a surgical approach

6. "If we decide to wait and monitor, what symptoms should prompt me to come back right away?"

   • This ensures you know the warning signs (loss of bladder/bowel control, sudden leg weakness)

7. "What are the success rates for each treatment option?"

   • Understanding realistic expectations helps you make an informed decision

Tip:

Bring this treatment comparison page with you to your appointment. Asking "Which of these options would you recommend for my situation?" can help your doctor give you a more specific and helpful explanation.