QUESTIONS FOR YOUR SPINE SURGEON
Should I Get Spine Surgery? · Patient education by Dr. Joel Bauman

1. What diagnosis best explains my symptoms?
2. Do my examination and imaging support the same diagnosis?
3. What are my nonsurgical options?
4. What might happen if I wait? Is there urgency in my case?
5. What is the main goal of the proposed operation?
6. Which symptoms are most likely to improve, and which might remain?
7. What are the important risks and uncertainties?
8. What experience do you have with this procedure?
9. Is a second opinion useful?
10. What help, restrictions, rehabilitation and follow-up should I plan for?
11. Whom should I contact with questions, including after hours?

MY PRIORITIES
The activities I most want to return to:

MY QUESTIONS

Educational preparation only. This checklist does not determine whether you need surgery.