Now more than at any time before, back pain sufferers have many choices for treatment. Along with these choices comes more patient responsibility to understand all the options. In the spirit of excellence we work in every day, your SOS Spine Team shares this responsibility and wants to help you become a good health care consumer. We think that help can begin even before you walk in the door by giving you the right questions to ask before choosing your spine surgeon.

1. Is the spine surgeon board certified?
   According to the ABOS website, "The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery is one of twenty-four certifying boards that have met the educational and organizational requirements necessary for membership in the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery are distinguished orthopaedic surgeons who are active in patient care, education and research. Certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery means that the orthopaedic surgeon has met the specified educational, evaluation, and examination requirements of the Board." Learn more about the ABOS.
   
2. How much of the spine surgeon's practice is specifically spine procedures?
   When a doctor has a spine problem, you can bet they choose a surgeon that spends most, if not all, their time treating related spine conditions. Get the numbers - how many of your specific procedure have they done?
   
3. How do they educate you on your diagnosis and treatment?
   When a surgeon and his or her staff takes the time to educate you on more than just the basics, you should get a pretty good sense of how up to date they are with the latest technology and research. After spending some time talking to the doctor and support staff, ask yourself, has their process made you feel confident you are working with the best treatment provider possible? If they make you feel like asking a question is uneccessary or an inconvenience, that's should be a big red flag.
   
4. What do other doctors you trust recommend, and why?
   Ask your doctor who they would recommend and why. Listen closely to the answer, and ASK questions. Has he or she referred other patients? How many? For what? How long ago? How did it go?
   
5. Ask other patients.
   Typically, a busy surgeon with a track record for successful outcomes leaves a trail of patients. Many you may already know. If not, unfortunately, privacy laws create a situation where physicians are restricted from sharing this information without permission. But your spine surgeon should understand the anxiety  and importance of the decision, and do whatever they can to put you in touch with people who have received similar procedures.