First Time Visiting a Sciatica Doc?

Physical therapists, physicians, nurses, and surgeons are among the pain professionals you might expect to meet when going to a pain clinic. Do not be alarmed if the term surgeon is used; many pain experts are able to assist their patients in finding pain relief using minimally invasive procedures such as steroid injections. Surgery is only used as a last resort.

2. Don’t keep any important information from your doctor

In most cases, your initial session will begin with a conversation between you and your sciatica doctor. In order to get to the bottom of the problem, they’ll want to learn as much as possible about your medical history. Prepare to talk about your symptoms and whether you’ve tried any pain-relieving approaches in the past.

Any piece of information you think could be relevant to your situation should be shared with your doctor, as it might help them better comprehend what you’re going through. A recent injury, for example, even if it did not seem like much at first, can end up putting pressure on the sciatic nerve – this nerve is the largest one in the human body – and cause severe pain. If the doctor knows about the injury, they can perform examinations to see if that is the cause of your back pain.

If you’ve already been diagnosed by another doctor, make sure to mention it, and bring any medical documentation with you, such as scans or test results. The doctor can examine them to see whether and how your condition has altered since then.

3. Be prepared for a physical examination

As you may be aware, the appointment will also include a physical examination during which the doctor will try to identify your problems. This is required so that the specialist can assess the degree of the discomfort and provide recommendations for the following steps.

Before moving on to a more extensive examination, the doctor will do a routine checkup that includes taking your pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. If you have any queries concerning the examination’s progress, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

Observing your posture, palpating areas of pain, or a more thorough examination of the spine are all part of the physical consultation. Your doctor may also require you to do some specific movements, such as squats, to see how your back responds.

4. You may not receive an exact diagnosis on your first visit

The doctor may be able to make a preliminary diagnosis after gathering all essential information from the physical consultation. In certain cases, however, the specialist may require additional tests to get a better understanding of your condition, so they may not be able to put a diagnosis after the first visit. However frustrating this may be, know doctors do this for the best interest of the patients and to ensure they provide a correct assessment of the situation.

You may be required to return for treatment even if the doctor is able to make an accurate diagnosis on the first appointment. Typically, the physician would advise you to begin with a less invasive treatment and see whether it improves your problem. If not, additional treatment options, such as surgery, may be suggested.

5. If you have any questions, let your doctor know

It’s natural to have a lot of concerns regarding your health, especially if you’re suffering persistent back pain. A competent doctor understands the importance of keeping patients informed, therefore they will gladly answer any questions you may have.

You can write down the questions and have them ready before the session if you want to. This will guarantee that you receive all the necessary explanations and are able to make educated treatment choices.

Some of the questions our doctors receive most frequently from patients are:

• What is the source of my back pain?
• Where can I learn more about my illness?
• Could you please explain which therapy options I have?
• Are these signs and symptoms typical of this condition?
• Should I refrain from participating in certain activities?
• What can I do to avoid my issues getting worse?

6. Bring a friend with you for support

Asking a friend or a family member to come with you is always a good idea if you need moral support. Even if they won’t be able to help you during the appointment, knowing that someone is waiting for you outside the doctor’s office is always comforting. Many patients are more afraid of going to the doctor than of being in pain, but this is because they are afraid of the unknown, or in this instance, the diagnosis.

Finding a doctor you can trust might also help to calm your nerves. At our pain clinic, we are dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and live pain-free lives. If you’re looking for a sciatica doc near me, in Clifton, give us a call today to make an appointment at our Clifton pain center, on Route 46E, just past the Ford dealership!