Without the ability to move the back, mobility is extremely limited. When faced with such a disability, there are a number of questions that should be posed to the doctor who treats the back injury.
Cause and Severity
Get an idea of how the back injury occurred and how bad it is. You can help your doctor answer these questions by providing information to him about what you were doing when you started to experience pain, how long the pain has been felt and whether the pain comes and goes with activities. Once you know exactly what caused the problem and how bad it is, you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment regimen and figure out how long (if at all) you'll be barred from activities and work.
Aggravates
Inquire as to what will worsen your condition. Not all back disability has the same cause, so you might be unable to do things that other people with back problems might still be able to do. For example, if the problem is in the lower back, you probably won't be able to do any lifting. If the problem is in the upper back, you may be able to lift limited amounts but be in pain if you use your arms and shoulders too much. Knowing what worsens the problem will help you to avoid hazardous situations and will speed the healing process.
Treatment
Ask what treatments are available for the disability. Your doctor may prescribe hot or cold packs, massage, bed rest, surgery or a combination of all of these, depending on your situation. Be sure to get the treatment plan in writing from your doctor so that you can work out with your insurance company what will and will not be covered. When you do this, have your doctor include how long the treatment is to be taken or administered. Figure out whether you can do physical therapy requirements at home or whether you will need to come to a clinic, hospital or therapist's office. Ask what risks are involved with all treatments suggested.
Paperwork
Ask if there are any forms that you need to fill out to begin a treatment regimen for the disability. Some treatments, such as surgery, require your signature before they can be started, while other treatments such as physical therapy may require you to fill out forms that detail the exact location and type of pain you are experiencing. Also ask if the doctor is willing to submit forms for you if your insurance company is going to be involved, or if they can write letters that describe your injury and treatment plan for your insurance provider and employer(s).
Tags: your doctor, your insurance, back injury, forms that, insurance company, physical therapy, treatment plan
