If you are about to see a spine surgeon for a back problem, there are a series of questions you can ask to help you thoroughly understand your condition and the treatment options available to you. The answers you receive from this doctor will help you in determining your surgeon’s experience level and whether you have the best surgeon to treat you.
Let’s talk about some of the questions you might want to ask your spine surgeon after the doctor has performed an assessment of your back issue, how you can gauge their answers, and where you can go in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas for an expert analysis and treatment of your back pain.
Questions to Ask About Your Back Problem
The first questions you can ask the neurosurgeon would revolve around the problem itself, such as:
- What is my back condition, and what is causing it?
- Is it serious?
- How could it affect my lifestyle?
- What will happen if I do not receive treatment for the condition?
- How can I find out more about my condition?
Questions About Treatments
Your next questions can be about the treatment that is being recommended by the spine surgeon and being considered by you:
- Why do you recommend this particular treatment for me?
- Are there other options that would work for me?
- Is the treatment noninvasive or minimally invasive?
- What are the benefits and risks of the treatment?
- How do I prepare for the treatment?
- How long is the recovery period?
- How can I maximize my recovery?
Questions About the Surgeon’s Experience
Do not hesitate to ask the spine surgeon about their own background, such as:
- What is your experience level and history with performing this treatment?
- How many times have you performed or administered it?
- How successful is this particular treatment?
- What do your patients say who have had this treatment?
- Are there any typical complications from this treatment?
How to Assess the Spine Surgeon’s Answers to Your Questions
A good spine surgeon will be educational and will take the time to answer any questions you are asking. The doctor will not make you feel rushed. Pay attention to red flags such as evading questions, rushed answers, ambiguous explanations, defensiveness, and giving you a feeling of being a nuisance with your questions.
Spine Surgeon in Colorado Springs and Aurora, CO
Here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our patients are encouraged to ask questions about the surgeon and about anything else during their time with the doctor. Our board-certified neurosurgeons are recognized medical experts in all areas of neurosurgery, and we are known throughout Colorado to provide personalized, patient-centric care.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our neurosurgeons, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (303) 790-1800 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We have convenient locations in Lone Tree, Parker, Aurora, and Colorado Springs, and we look forward to being your healthcare partner!
