Submitted by: Peg Smith

Patient education is a process by which a healthcare provider imparts information to patients to help them learn about their health statuses and make informed decisions about improving their overall health. For example, if you ve recently been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you likely have some questions about your condition. While your physician would be the first person to educate you on the subject, you should know that there are myriad other ways to boost your knowledge about herniated discs, what symptoms you might experience, effective treatment options, and related information.

Talk to Your Physician First

Let s continue the example of having a herniated disc. Generally, the best source for information about your herniated disc would be your primary care physician or a spine specialist. Whether you ve had the same physician for decades or just two weeks shouldn t matter; he or she should be able to properly diagnose your herniated disc and recommend the treatments that may help alleviate any symptoms.

Additionally, he or she can outline potential complications that may arise as a result of the condition. Let s say you ve heard that, over time, a weakened, herniated disc could cause your facet joints to function abnormally and contribute to the development of spinal arthritis. Talking to your physician about this possibility ahead of time can give you the information you need to plan ahead and implement certain treatments to help slow the progression of spinal degeneration.

Read Up About Your Condition

Your physician s or spine specialist s offices may be peppered with various brochures or trade magazines pertaining medical conditions. These may be great sources of information regarding your herniated disc. Ask your physician for take-home information to that you can review it in the comfort of your own home.

Another source of information includes the local library. Check out medical books, learn about spinal anatomy, and find definitions for specific spine-related terms to better familiarize yourself with your condition.

Surf the Web

While it will be important for you to listen to your physician for specific treatment information, you can find a wealth of information about your herniated disc on the Internet. Whether you read articles on Spine-Health.com or participate in a reputable, public, spine-related discussion hosted by a surgical center, you should be able to gather usable information about preventing certain problems or whether one type of treatment you re considering worked for another individual. However, it s best to check with your physician before you attempt any treatment you read about online.

Along with perusing medical websites, another method of gathering information online that you may find helpful is crowd-sourcing info from social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and others. These platforms have made connecting with all types of people that much easier, so you can be sure that someone out there has experience and/or knows extensively about herniated discs and may be able to suggest physicians, point out resources, and discuss treatments that were effective for him or her.

Talk to Family

Many studies have shown that genetics may play a role in degenerative spine conditions, such as herniated discs. It could prove beneficial to talk with family members who may have some experience with the same health issue. In addition, learning about your family medical history may provide clues as to how your condition may progress.

Stay Positive

The important thing to keep in mind about patient education is to not scare yourself into thinking you ll need surgery right away. Treatments that work for one herniated disc patient may not be as effective for you. Just because your uncle had a herniated disc and found relief with a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-impact exercise doesn t mean that you will.

Above all, remember its best to check with your physician if you have any questions or concerns and before you begin any treatment regimen. Additionally, don t push yourself. If your symptoms worsen or you start to feel like something isn t right, get checked out by your physician.

About the Author: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mrs. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to

patient education

.

Source:

isnare.com

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