Please suggest some good questions i should ask my doctor about back pain.

Ask: Ask your physician if specific braces may help improve ability to tolerate work and activity.

Listen: Listen to your body. If you can't explain the pain and it is not responding get a good examination.

Ask: Ask your doctor if they have a favorite physical therapist that they use to treat back pain.

Ask: Ask your doctor if/when you need imaging (mri of the spine).

When: When pain is radiating or "shooting down" down your leg, consult your physician.

Why: Why do I have back pain, and where is the pain generator?

Numbness/: Numbness/ tingling in any portion of your body can indicate injury or an abnormality of the spine.

Talk: Talk to your physician to see if you would benefit from chiropractic care for your back.

Back: Back pain without radiation to the legs suggests no pinched nerve. Ask if you can wait on ct & mris.

Am: Am i at risk for ulcers (nsaid-gastropathy), & do I need prophylaxis against one if i take nsaid's?

Is: Is surgery an option with my type of back pain?

Tell: Tell your md if you have history of cancer, fevers, unexplained weight loss, trauma.

Tell: Tell your md if you have urinary retention, incontinence, current or prior urinary tract infection.

If: If injured, get precise restrictions including weight limits on lifting, pushing, pulling.

Is: Is it ok to try a muscle relaxant if Ibuprofen is not giving enough relief? (answer should be 'yes').

Tell: Tell your md if you are immunosuppressed, have been on steroids, have used IV drugs.

Tell: Tell your doc about any trauma (even a minor fall or heavy lifting in person w/low bone density).

Treatments: Treatments that avoid the use of pain medications.

Women: Women with large breasts should document symptoms and ask for evaluation from plastic surgeon.

Is: Is it curable? When do you recommend epidural shots or surgery? Are they effective? Do I have arthritis?

If: If you struggle with back or shoulder pain, ask your doctor for a prescription for massage.

With: With low back pain, ask you dr about cause: muscle, facet, si, disc, etc. It defines treatment.