Did you know that lower back pain is one of the most common medical problems? 8 out of 10 people suffer back pain at some point in their lives.

What can you do if you find yourself experiencing pain in your back? It might be time to seek out a spine doctor.

But what is a spine doctor, you may ask?

A spine doctor, or a spine surgeon, is a health professional who specializes in treating all types of spine conditions. It’s important to know what to ask your spine doctor when you’re consulting about how to relieve your back pain.

Below are 5 important questions to ask your back and spine doctor.

1. What Is Causing My Back Pain?

There are several reasons you could be suffering from back pain. Spine doctors will ask you specific questions about your daily life, both at home and at work, to help determine the source of your pain.

Causes of back pain can include stress, poor posture, sleeping on the wrong mattress, or sitting all day. A spine doctor will be able to tell you if your condition is serious and offer treatment options.

2. What Can I Do to Keep It from Getting Worse?

Your spine doctor may have a variety of suggestions for treatment. Some of these treatments may take some time to take effect. In the meantime, you’ll want to know what to do to keep the pain from worsening.

Ask if there are any accommodations you need to make at work or home. Perhaps it’s time for a new office chair or to curb any heavy lifting you do regularly. Treatment will be more effective if you aren’t participating in activities that work against it.

3. Could This Pain Lead To Something More Serious?

It’s vital to know if the pain you’re experiencing is temporary or if it could become something more permanent. If your pain has lasted for a while, that could be a sign that something more serious is going on. Treatment for short-term pain may be vastly different from treatment for long-term pain.

4. What Are My Treatment Options?

Before you consider anything invasive, you’ll want to ask about less invasive options. There may be medications you can take or an injection-based treatment that will help.

A round of physical therapy may ease your discomfort. You might need to apply heat at times to counteract the pain or try mindfulness activities such as meditation.

If you’ve tried non-invasive treatment options and they don’t seem to be helping, your spine doctor might determine that it’s time for surgery. Surgery can be the best way to get rid of your pain once and for all and get back to the business of living.

Don’t forget to ask your spine doctor about their experience with the type of surgery they’ve recommended and what it will involve. You’ll also want to ask about any risks involved and what the recovery period will be like.

Time for a Spine Doctor

If you have back pain that’s affecting your daily life and keeping you from the activities you enjoy, it’s time to seek help. Find a spine doctor today.