@alfer I think it's a great thing you don't have any symptoms when you go to bed and are off of your feet. I can also understand not wanting to take any prescription meds for the symptoms. I'm pretty sure spinal stenosis can cause neuropathy symptoms and we have quite a few members who have shared their experience. You might want to have a look through the Connect search results here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=spinal+stenosis+symptoms

Hello, alfer (@alfer)

I, too, have IPN, which was diagnosed in the summer of 2022. I’ve no pain; my symptoms are unreliable balance and difficulty walking. I, too, have stenosis of my cervical spine. A year ago, an MRI revealed the beginnings of encroachment on the cord at C6-7. The surgeon, who called the condition “borderline,” presented me with the option of surgery or a year’s wait & see. Furthermore, he cautioned that my stenosis might have no bearing on my IPN and that surgery offered no improvement in my balance and walking. The choice was mine, and I chose a wait & approach.

Two weeks ago, I got a new MRI, and last Friday, I met again with the surgeon, who placed my two MRIs side-by-side on the light board. “Do you see a difference?” he asked. To my non-medical eyes, it appeared the encroachment had lessened and, with some shyness, said just that. “Precisely!” he said. “Your stenosis has lessened,” I asked how could that be. He replied, “It happens sometimes. The body sometimes works miracles. I suggest we do another year’s wait & see. If you have pain in the meantime, of course, call me.”

I mention this not to suggest that stenosis can or cannot have a bearing on a person’s IPN but rather to encourage getting a good, detailed diagnosis, even if getting that good, detailed diagnosis takes time, patience, and maybe even visits to several different doctors.

I wish you the best!!!

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)