Spinal Stenosis

[brendaspage]

Hi,

My name is brenda and I was recenlty (in August) diagnosed with spianla stenosis L5 is severly my problem with the nerve on both sides of the L-5 I have had a nerve conductoor test and this is what showed up. I have the stenosis in my lumbar spine and in the central canal of my spine. I am in allot of pain and no relief from meds any sugggestions have had a neurological exam and by a neurologist and hey want to do surgery I am scared and have seen no posts where surgery had helped what should I do?

[brendaspage]

Hi,

I already went to pt tried opiates and have a Dr. and been to a chriropractor and i am still in pain. I had a nerve conductor test yesterday and am trying t new med feel better on it but not sure if it works yet. yes its very painful I went for a two mile walk and I almost killed myself. I reenjuried everything again. I do not know what electric tens is and have not tried acu[unture as of yet. I have lumbar spine spinal stenosis and a stenosis in the central area of my canal as well. I also have 3 boys hard to get around

Brenda

[caregiver222]

Square one is to get a referral to a good physical therapist who will demonstrate six or seven exercises that may reduce the swelling.

Prednisone is not a good idea for the long term, but initially it will help a lot.

Keep well hydrated, lift nothing heavier than a Big Mac, and follow the exercise regiman to the letter.

You will probably require at least six demonstration sessions.

Do NOT have the area treated with ultrasound. That will only increase the inflammation.

Discuss with your physician the reasons for the narrowing of the area through which the nerve travel. Is it congenital or secondary to a lifting injury? Do you have a progressive degenerative spinal disease? There are many unanswered questions.

Ask for a prescription for an electrical TENS device, which will help with the pain. You will need to have it adjusted and receive instructions in use. Keep the pads in the refrigerator when not on the skin. Accupuncture works also.

Try to avoid the opiates.

These injuries can be terribly painful, but don't give up hope yet.