For many people, a visit to the doctor can be a daunting, stressful experience. Visiting a spine specialist can be even more so – just the formidable words “spine specialist” can seem intimidating! When you’re looking for the “best spine specialist near me” and preparing for a visit, you should have a basic idea of what you’re going in for. Remember – it’s normal, and actually recommended, to have plenty of questions about what you should expect during your appointment. Being prepared for your appointment will help you feel in control of the situation and be able to inform the medical professionals better so they can give you the best care possible.
Whether your pain is a relatively new phenomenon or a chronic condition you’ve been dealing with for most of your life, know that you deserve answers to your problems and treatment for your issues. The friendly, experienced staff at ACME Spine & Orthopedics will provide you with the best specialists in the field for managing your pain. We will sit down, discuss your symptoms with you, and make the appropriate diagnosis to design an individualized treatment plan that alleviates the pain that has been encumbering you.
Your First Appointment With The “Best Spine Specialist Near Me”
Every spine specialist has their own approach to taking first appointments, but the general point of the initial appointment is for you and the doctor to get to know each other. Some things you should expect during your first appointment include:
1. A longer appointment
If you have a busy day, make sure to plan around a longer appointment time – usually, the first appointment with a spine specialist will take a bit longer. During the initial consultation, the doctor will spend time getting to know you, and you will be able to take time to get to know your doctor so you feel at ease with who is treating you.
2. You will discuss your medical history
You and your spine management specialist will spend some time discussing your medical history. This includes everything from any recurrent bouts of past pain to any surgeries that you may have gone through and any treatments you’ve undergone in the past. Your doctor will also assess your general medical history and family history so they can understand the kind of pain you’re experiencing and why you may be seeking treatment.
3. You will get a physical exam
The doctor will most likely give you a physical examination. They will probably examine your back or neck and give you some simple tests to check your strength and test your reflexes. The physical exam will help them glean more insight into the pain you are experiencing and the reasons behind why you are experiencing it.
4. You may get more tests
As part of the diagnostic process, your doctor may order other related tests such as an MRI, a CT scan, ultrasound, or certain kinds of injections to pinpoint the source and cause of your pain.
5. They will establish a preliminary course of treatment
If you are seeking relief from pain when you see the spine specialist, the doctor will prescribe a preliminary treatment plan based on the initial visit. As they learn more about your condition and get more information about the causes of the pain you are experiencing, they may modify and adjust your course of treatment.
6. It’s a chance to ask questions
The appointment is an opportunity to ask as many questions as necessary about your treatment options and what to expect next.
Contact Us Today
Getting to know your spine specialist is a key part of treatment, and that’s what the initial appointment is for. If you’re looking for the “best spine specialist near me,” call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to schedule a consultation today!