Wellness

[RedTop]

@on the bay 

I agree with much of your post; a great majority of us have, or will at some point receive a diagnosis of spinal stenosis.  The natural process of aging greatly contributes to this problem, along with other issues.  

My husband and both daughters have spinal stenosis, all with different factors, and different methods of treatment ranging from PT exercises, chiropractic sessions, medical massage, pain clinic, pain medication, pain injections, and nerve ablations.  All 3 will live with and manage their conditions for life.  

My advice is to relax and prepare for the process ahead of you.  Best wishes!

[on the bay]

Thanks @RedTop,

I've had back injuries and reportedly stenosis for so many years it seems normal. I agree that many get it as they age.

I think there are so many different ways to manage it.

And not do things that aggrevate it of course.

[2sisters]

@I am still oxox  could the pain in your legs be sciatica?  I too have spinal stenosis, I've had three back surgeries and my last one was a spinal fusion. That took care of the sciatica pain.  That pain was unbearable for me.   I have back pain constantly so my heart goes out to anyone who suffers with the pain.  

Your doctor along with you will hopefully come up with a plan  and treatment that's best for you.  Maybe you can use a heating pad, that sometimes will take the edge off. 

[nomar]

I am back from my spinal specialist trip. As I thought, the next step is a rheumatologist. As a surgeon he did not recommend surgery at this point. In severe cases of spinal problems such as mine, he said one surgery leads to another and another. We discussed more about how extremely fatigued I am, which I believe leads him to believe a rheumatologist can help. Luckily, I am not overweight but do have age against me. Trying to walk or do PT other than stretching takes every bit of energy I can muster. Normal household activities is my exercise right now. I feel I can hardly lift a puppy let alone strength building. Extreme fatigue is something people cannot see and only the one with it can understand how it feels. I do agree about wearing the belt. I know the first thing doctors say, is it will weaken your back. But, if it helps with pain and the ablitly to move, so be it. I like all the discussion on here and I hope the OP is getting something out of all of this to help her. I joined in with my ailments and it really is about her. I hope she can make a doctor listen when she needs to express her symtoms. Good luck to her and any that are going though the same with her.

[MJDinVegas]

Hi, @I am still oxox !  I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in my lumbar spine between the 3rd and 4th vertebrae a couple of years ago.  The orthopedic doctor suggested pain management via cortisone injections into the lumbar spine.  I've had 4 or five sets of bilateral injections; at first, the relief lasted about three months but with each set has lasted longer to the point where my last injections were at least 8 months ago and I'm pain free.  I'll resort to more injections should the pain return; I really want to avoid having any surgery anywhere near my spine.

[I am still oxox]

Thank you all for the  imput I see my Pain Management Doctor on Wed

[Cakers3]

@I am still oxox   

An MRI is your first step.

I too have spinal stenosis but there are other conditions where the MRI will be the key for an accurate diagnosis.

I had PT and injections and almost opted for a spinal fusion; I cancelled and stayed with my home PT workout.  

A laminectomy can help instead of the fusion, too. My Dh has had both surgeries and did just fine. He also had the ablation for another issue but I digress.

While relief when sitting can indicate stenosis DO NOT SIT IN A LAZY BOY CHAIR/SOFA. Your spine will sink/curve into it.

My Ortho surgeon and PT strongly advise against it. A straight back upholstered chair with arms will keep your back straight and the arms will make sure you get up properly without bending. 

Just make sure you get a true diagnosis and take it one step at a time.

Good luck.👍

[pepes mom]

In my opinion as both a retired RN and a person with a bunch of spine (lumbar and cervical) issues, I would suggest an MRI before receiving treatment from pain mgt. 

Both my pain management doc and neurosurgeon want up to date MRI, CT scans and plain films done before they will see you.

I hope you find relief.

[katie1859]

I am 64, had the SS diagnosis....( spinal stenosis 5 years ago.
This summer it really has reared it's head. Like you, it's not from my hip it the SS, but it has generated down to my right hip, my legs and ankles.
Yes, it's a freedom robber and it requires limits to what you do. Moderation. Good days, not so good days.