Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about back pain:

1. What is causing my back pain?
   
   
2. What are the risks to my health?
   
   
3. What diagnostic tests might I need to undergo, and what do they involve? Where and when will I have these?
   
   
4. What do my test results show? 
   
   
5. What are my treatment options?
   
   
6. Are there treatments I can use at home?
   
   
7. Which medications can help me?
   
   
8. Am I a candidate for physical therapy?
   
   
9. Are there any devices that can help my pain?
   
   
10. Can complementary or alternative medicine help me?
    
    
If conservative treatments fail, will I need surgery?


How can I prevent further injury or new injuries?