Preparing for your doctor visit

Knowing the types of questions that your doctor may ask can help you feel more prepared. See the list below to get a sense of what information will be important to your doctor. Your answers to these questions will help your doctor figure out next steps -- for example, what treatment is best, what tests to order, if you need to see a physical therapist, if you need to see a specialist. You can make your visit more efficient if you think about your answers before going to the doctor.

• Did you have a particular injury or accident?
• Have you ever had back pain before?
• How long have you had the pain this particular time?
• What were you doing just before the pain began? Were you lifting or bending? Sitting at your computer? Driving a long distance?
• If you have had episodes of back pain in the past, how often do you tend to get them? How long does each episode usually last?
• What does the pain feel like? (For example, is it dull, sharp, throbbing, or burning?)
• What makes the pain worse?
• What makes the pain feel better?
• Is there any particular time of day when the pain feels better or worse?
• Do you have any numbness or tingling?
• Have you noticed any weakness in your legs?
• Have you lost weight recently without trying?
• Have you had a fever?
• Do you have any urinary symptoms like going to the bathroom more often than usual? Do you have a burning sensation when you urinate?
• Have your bowel habits changed?
• Has there been a change in your walking or ability to balance?

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