You're likely to start by seeing your primary care provider. He or she may refer you to a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon.
What you can do
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:
- Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
- Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history, particularly if anyone in your immediate family has had similar symptoms
- All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses
- Questions to ask your doctor
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you retain the information you're given.
For sacroiliitis, some questions to ask your doctor include:
- What's likely causing my symptoms?
- What are other possible causes?
- What tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
- What's the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
- How can I best manage this condition with my other health conditions?
- Are there restrictions I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:
- When did your symptoms start?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- Where exactly is the pain and how severe is it?
- Does any type of activity worsen or lessen the pain?