What should I ask a doctor if I'm trying to find out more about him and his ability to do surgery on my back?

It's always a good idea to make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon. This means asking questions that may help you make your decision.

Some important questions are how often the surgeon has done your particular procedure, why this procedure is being considered for you, what the outcomes of the other surgeries have been, and how often he has complications. If you are ever unsure about a particular doctor, you may always get a second opinion. In fact, it's often advised to get a second opinion when a major procedure is in your future. It allows you to be more confident in your decision and it does allow another doctor to weigh in and see if there may be another approach that may be better for you in the long run.