Talking To Your Doctor

It can be difficult to think of everything you want to ask your doctor when you’re sitting in his or her office. Bringing in a list of questions or concerns you have about bone loss, spinal fracture, and your treatment options can help you get the most out of the conversation with your doctor.

Below is a list of questions that you can print and take with you to your next appointment.

Questions to Ask Your doctor

• Do I have a spinal fracture now?
• Should I have X-rays taken to check for a spinal fracture?
• Am I at risk for spinal fractures?
• Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk for osteoporosis or spinal fracture?
• Does any health condition I have or medication I take increase my risk for spinal fracture?
• How will I know if I have a spinal fracture? What are the signs and symptoms?
• What are the possible complications of spinal fracture?
• What treatments are available for spinal fractures?

In relation to osteoporosis:

• Am I at risk for osteoporosis?
• How does osteoporosis affect my risk for spinal fracture?
• How can I reduce my risk for osteoporosis?

In relation to cancer:

• How will we know if my cancer has spread to the bone?
• If the cancer has spread to my bones, which bones are involved?
• Can I undergo treatment for a spinal fracture while receiving cancer treatment?

Questions Your Doctor Might Ask You

• How long have you had back pain?
• Did a particular activity cause sudden pain, or was the onset of pain gradual?
• Is the pain getting worse or better?
• Specifically, where is the pain located? Does the pain radiate to other parts of your body?
• How would you describe the pain—vague, dull, painful, severely painful, incapacitating?
• Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Does it become worse with activity?
• Does lying down relieve the pain?
• Do you have any numbness or tingling?
• Do you have problems with your bladder or bowels?
• Is there a history of osteoporosis in your family?
• When was the last time your height was checked by a health care professional?