Talking to Your Orthopedic Surgeon in Los Angeles, Ca

A visit with a spine surgeon in Los Angeles should be an opportunity to learn more about your condition and discuss possible treatment options beyond what you’ve already tried. Whether it’s due to an overly cautious approach to treatment or natural skepticism, you may find yourself encountering a spine specialist who’s dismissive of your symptoms and urgency to find relief.

Be Descriptive About Your Symptoms

Even if there’s an identifiable cause of your back pain, such as a herniated disc, a spine specialist may doubt the severity of your discomfort. Be as descriptive as possible about your symptoms by discussing:

  • When the symptoms typically appear
  • What activities trigger pain
  • Other treatments you’ve tried

Seek Multiple Opinions

Do your homework when selecting a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, which can include reading patient reviews online and checking their ratings. Just because your regular doctor recommends somebody, doesn’t mean you can’t seek different opinions and visit other specialists to find someone likely to take your concerns seriously.

Listen to What They’re Saying

A reputable spine specialist may have a very good reason for offering an opinion beyond what you expected. Keep an open mind and listen to what they have to say, even if it goes against what you were expecting to hear.

Politely Disagree and Ask Questions

Avoid the temptation to get angry. Instead, politely state your case for seeking other attempts at relief. And don’t hesitate to ask why they’re questioning your claims of pain. Some doctors may not even realize that they’re coming off as dismissive of your concerns.

It’s possible your spine specialist is just having an off day. If they come highly recommended, consider scheduling another appointment. On the other hand, an obvious personality clash isn’t going to do wonders for your confidence. Ultimately, you want a doctor who’s willing to have a productive dialog with you.

If you’re seeking a second opinion, call The Spine Institute Center at (310) 828-7757 today and request an in-person consultation. Medical Director Dr. Hyun Bae can discuss surgical options for pain relief, including minimally invasive spine surgery in Los Angeles, as well as non-surgical procedures as a first line of action. Reach out today. We are here to help.