What to ask my doctor or surgeon

So you have an appointment. Now what?

What should I ask my doctor?
Can I have a referral to a neurosurgeon or a spine surgeon? (If you are at your GP's office)
What does my MRI mean? I don't understand the report.
I want to try to avoid pain medication. Can you prescribe a TENS machine for pain and instruct me on its use? Or can a physical therapist do this?

Ask your orthopedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon****
What does my MRI mean? I don't understand the report. (please do look up any terminology on a written report)
What is the prognosis for this?
How is this currently affecting my actual function, not just my pain stopping me?
What is the normal first line of treatment for this?
Do I have myelopathy or radiculopathy? (please look up these terms so you can be knowledgeable at your appointment)
How will I know if I'm in an emergency situation?
Why do you recommend (or don't recommend) surgery?
How would you treat this if it were your spine or a family member's spine?
Could certain exercises help? If so, can you give me some guidance? Can you prescribe physical therapy?

I've heard about.... Do you recommend any of these;

RFA-Radiofrequency Ablation
Epidural steroid injections
Spinal cord stimulators
TENS machines
Physical therapy
Traction
Artificial disc replacement
Etc....
(again please research all of this so you can have a real discussion)