How to Deal with Embarrassing Symptoms

Many patients are embarrassed by the symptoms that result from spinal injuries and other conditions. But it’s important to get over your embarrassment and communicate with your doctor so you can move forward with treatment. In this patient education article, we are going to talk about how to communicate with your doctor about embarrassing symptoms.

Examples of Embarrassing Symptoms

It is easy to be embarrassed by certain symptoms. Here are a few potentially embarrassing symptoms that can result from a spinal injury or condition:

• Bladder or Bowel Issues. Nerve damage in the spine from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or injuries can result in loss bladder and/or bowel control.
• Loss of Feeling or Mobility. Damaged spinal nerves can also cause numbness and loss of sensation in the back, legs, feet, and hands.
• Loss of Libido. Pain can have a significant impact on a person’s sex drive.

Don’t Be Embarrassed at the Doctor’s Office

Open communication is the key to every successful doctor patient relationship. You should never feel embarrassed to talk with your physician about your symptoms (no matter how embarrassing). Doctors are trained to approach symptoms and conditions in an objective fashion – focusing on the medical cause of the symptoms. Your doctor is your confidant and won’t make you ashamed of your symptoms. They are there to help treat your symptoms and their underlying causes. So be open with your physician. It will lead to better overall treatment.

Inspired Spine has developed study-backed minimally invasive keyhole spinal procedures that are changing the landscape of spine surgery for both doctors and patients. The Inspired OLLIF (lumbar spine surgery) and Inspired MIS-DTIF (thoracic spine surgery) procedures offer less pain, shorter operating times, and quicker recovery periods compared to other spinal surgeries. If you are experiencing embarrassing symptoms, an Inspired Spine procedure may help. Contact us today to learn more about these procedures, find out if you are a good candidate, and locate a provider in your area who performs these procedures.