Michael S. Sinel

Back pain is such a common condition that many doctors consider it a normal part of life — but you don't have to suffer. To start, know when to see a doctor for your pain, learn how to choose the right doctor to treat it, and ask smart questions about the tests and treatments your doctor suggests. Managing back pain requires home care, too; so develop a plan for managing your back pain at home.

Finding permanent relief from back pain requires you to be a proactive patient. You should feel comfortable with all the tests your doctor wants you to have, and understand the treatments that could be available to you. If your doctor recommends that you have a medical test for your back problem, you should get answers to the following check-up questions first: What is the name of the test, and what do you expect to learn from it?

Finding the right practitioner can be the key to solving your back pain problem. Before a physician or specialist treats you, do a little checking up on your own to be sure that the healthcare professional is right for you and your back pain problem. Take the following questions into the doctor's office with you to help ensure that you find the right doctor: What is your degree and where did you do your training?

Initially, you can self-manage most episodes of back pain. The following warning signs, however, may indicate more serious back problems or other medical issues. If you experience one of the following, you need to visit your doctor. Problems with your bowel (loss of feeling), bladder (trouble with urination), sexual function (inability to get an erection for men), or numbness in your groin area Weakness in one or both of your legs and/or feet Back pain that awakens you at night that is throbbing and aching A serious trauma to your spine, such as a car accident or fall Excruciating back pain or new symptoms Problems with your medications, or using alcohol or other substances to manage your back pain problem?

At its best, back pain makes it hard to think about anything else; but at its worst, back pain can be debilitating. When your back suddenly acts up, try the following regime to get your pain attack under control: Go to bed, but not for long: Limited bed rest (one to three days) can help calm down back pain. Use ice and heat: Applying ice and heat to your back can help control the symptoms and make you more comfortable.