Telling The Doctor Your Story
Pain is personal. Your 8 could be someone else’s 9 or 3. That being said - it’s important to share, in some standardized way, what you’re experiencing so that your doctor can properly diagnose you.
Answering the following questions will help you express what is happening in your neck or back. Consider writing down notes to answer so you don’t forget any information that your doctor could benefit from knowing. Of course, he/she will ask you questions during your appointment, but start thinking about these questions before you arrive.
Get the most out of your initial visit and start on your path to a faster recovery. Consider that your responses can help determine the scope of your physical exam and any diagnostic tests that might be necessary before you and your doctor discuss treatment options.
6 Preliminary Questions for Assessing Neck and Back Pain
How did the pain start? What were you doing and did the pain come on suddenly or gradually?
How long have you had the pain (months, days, years)?
Where is the pain? Describe where it starts and if/how it travels. For example, does it start in your shoulder and travel down your arm? Use words like burning, tingling, stinging, stabbing, dull, sharp or achy to describe what you are experiencing. Explain if the pain is constant, intermittent or even cyclical.
When is the pain better or worse (day or night / active or at rest) ?
What alleviates or aggravates the pain? Is it better when you stand or sit? Does walking help or make it worse?
How is the pain affecting your daily life?
Dr. Hope specializes in cervical and lumbar spine surgery, with a focus on degenerative and traumatic spinal conditions. He has performed over ten thousand spinal surgeries and has been voted a top doctor by several publications in the Washington DC Metro.
Dr. Hope has patients from all walks of life, including business professionals, athletes, musicians, emergency services personnel, police, fire and rescue first responders. His philosophy embraces performing the least invasive, most effective procedures available that are specifically tailored to each patient.