Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following back questions about herniated discs:

1. How does a herniated disc cause me back pain?
   
   
2. Do some symptoms indicate I may have more serious condition than others?
   
   
3. What else could be causing my symptoms?
   
   
4. What diagnostic tests might I need to undergo, and what do they involve?
   
   
5. What do my test results show?
   
   
6. Is my herniated disc related to a pinched nerve, sciatica, degenerative disc disease or some other condition?
   
   
7. What are my treatment options?
   
   
8. Are there treatments I can use at home?
   
   
9. How long should it take before my pain subsides?
   
   
10. If noninvasive treatments fail, will I need to have surgery?
    
    
11. Are there things I can do to prevent further injury or new injuries?