Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Neurosurgeon Before Back Surgery

If your back pain is chronic then chances are good you've tried all manner of conservative back pain remedies, stuff like resting, medication, heat or cold therapy, physical therapy, visits to the chiropractor and even cortiscosteroid injections. If the back pain persists it may be time to consider a more invasive approach.

Your primary care physician can help you find the right Neurosurgeon for your procedure. Here are some questions you should ask your surgeon well before your surgery date:

1) Are there alternatives to surgery?
You may think you've tried them all, but your neurosurgeon could have suggestions beyond what you've attempted thus far. Further, he's seen your type of pain a great deal and may know just the conservative remedy for you.

2) What are the risks of this surgery?
It's important that you know all the long and short term risks that accompany your potential surgery. This is a tough question to ask but it will help you to weigh your decision and it's better to know the risks up front.

3) What are the benefits of this surgery?
This may sound like an obvious question, but it will help you make sure that the surgeon knows exactly what pain you're having and that he's discussing the operation that's best for you. Further, there might be some benefits of the surgery that you don't really need. Talk this one all the way through and help diagnose yourself fully.

4) What will happen if I don't have this surgery?
There might be more factors than your continued back pain. If so, you should know these factors before making your final back surgery decision.

5) Where can I go for a second opinion?
This may seem like an odd question, but it's a great test of your neurosurgeon's mettle. If he's quick to rattle off second opinion options then it's clear that he's confident in his diagnosis. His confidence should NOT be your only deciding factor. Even if you really like your doctor it's imperative that you get that second opinion. You'll have your back for the rest of your life so make sure you're getting it the best care possible.