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Slipped disk

Questions to ask your doctor

If you have bad back pain or sciatica, it's worth going to your doctor. Back pain often clears up on its own after a short time.

Source:
Deyo RA, Weinstein JN.
Low back pain.
New England Journal of Medicine. 2001; 344: 363-370.

¹ But your doctor may be able to tell you more about what the problem is and advise you about the best way to handle it.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

If your doctor thinks you may have a slipped disk

Is there any way you can be sure I have a slipped disk?
Should I have an

MRI scan
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine uses a magnetic field to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures allow doctors to look at parts of the body in three-dimensional images.

MRI scan or a

CT scan
A CT scan is a type of X-ray. It takes several detailed pictures of the inside of your body from different angles. CT stands for computed tomography. It's also called a CAT scan (computed axial tomography).

CT scan? If so, when?
Are there any signs of complications?
Is there a risk that I could have complications?
Do I need to stay in bed or rest?
Are there any activities that might make it worse?
Is there anything that can help the pain?
How can I avoid getting back pain again?
Are there any exercises that can make my back stronger?
Should I drive?

If you've had a scan that shows you have a damaged disk

Does the scan show how badly damaged the disk is?
Does the disk that's damaged in my spine match the symptoms I have?
How can you be sure the slipped disk is causing my symptoms?

If your doctor suggests surgery

What is surgery likely to do for me?
What are the risks?
How long will it take for me to recover?
When will I be able to go back to work?
Which kind of surgery do you recommend? Should I have the standard operation or would one of the newer techniques be better?
If I don't have surgery, what other treatments are there?
What else can I do to make my back feel better?

Sources for the information on this page:

Deyo RA, Weinstein JN.Low back pain.New England Journal of Medicine. 2001; 344: 363-370.

This information was last updated on Oct 19, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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