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What helps spinal stenosis besides surgery?
I also suffer from bursitus in my hips so I go in for infections. The shots help both my hips and my back. Today, thought I would look for things on the internet and then discuss with my dr. I came across an article for a neuromd Its a device you wear on your back and helps with the pain. Its been FDA tested and approved. Has anyone checked this out. I don't know if insurance covers it or not ...... I am getting tired of the injections and those really are just a temporary solution. I'm 76 and don't think I want to go thru surgery and my dr said that doesn't really help. So if anyone has one of these things or know about them, would appreciate your input. Besides the back am also dealing with copd and lung cancer........Life is like a box of cherries......I just keep getting the sour ones......... Hope you all are doing ok......andhave God, family and friends as your everyday support...........
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@thoracic Thank you for sharing that information on the X -stop implant. I was curious about how it works, so I looked and found this. Basically, it prevents the vertebrae from moving closer to each other by holding then fixed in place on the outside of the spine so the nerve roots don't get compressed which are between the vertebrae. It looks like it could also prevent the slipping of vertebrae past each other (because they are fixed together) which is another reason that a spinal canal can become narrowed. A definitive answer needs to come from a doctor on if this is right for a particular patient.
https://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/Fulltext/2007/08210/New_Device_for_Relief_of_Lumbar_Spinal_Stenosis.3.aspx
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5 ReactionsHi! Thanks for helpful information! I'm new to even finding about "ADR". I recently saw a really good Spine repair discussion (forum) from "Texas Back Institute" on Artificial Disc Replacement (cervical and lumbar), it's 2 biggest benefits of pain reduction and better movement, plus regular Spinal Fusion (sometimes, not always, better for a few situations). The 3 doctors/surgeons were Guyer, Shellock, and Blumenthal. All stressed the importance & value of the surgeons' experience for getting the best choice for each person's situation and surgeons expertise. They also mentioned a few ADR limiting factors. I don't know what financial help there is accepted or available, or the costs. But not finding many other leads (for me) near Chicago, I plan to go back to "TBI" & get some more "ADR" info there.
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for sharing the information.
@4440cats You must like cats! I do, and I have 3 of them. Did you know that Mayo in Rochester is about a 6 hour drive from Chicago, and there are many spine surgeons there who do both ADR and fusions? I made this drive several times after Chicago based surgeons missed the diagnosis and wouldn’t help.
You’re right about limits for where ADR should be used such as instability or listhesis, and ADR can have complications like screws failing or becoming dislodged or bone growth around the implant.
I agree that the experience and skill of the surgeon is of highest importance to recommend what is a good solution for a patient.
Are you considering artificial disc replacement?
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2 ReactionsI really am considering ADR but my age is in 70s and I have had Lumbar fusion L3-S1. I didn't even know about ADR possibilities which might have been a better choice. So I will definitely try to see/consult visit Spine ADR MD(s) at Mayo to see what they think about saving my L2 & maybe L1. Thank you so much for your note and info so I can explore ! I would hate to find out too late if some better solution was actually available....esp. if one could be safely done on me and result = with more flexibility.
I currently have 2 young wonderful kitties - have been a cat mom for years. My entertainment!
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1 Reaction@4440cats - I had two significant spinal surgeries in 2023...One cervical and the other lumbar. (I was 70 at the time) Both included ADR and honestly, though not a doctor, I would not have seriously considered any other option. Artificial disks can be "manufactured" to a very high degree of accuracy and much more customized than traditional disk replacement techniques. My new artificial disks (I have six, total) are perforated to promote bone growth which naturally integrates the new disks into your actual spine.
I sometimes worry about specialized back clinics and the like. I prefer a general medical facility.
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2 ReactionsDon't be too afraid to have surgery. Just research a good surgeon. I had my C4-C6 replaced with cadaver disc's and a plate infront of my neck to hold the fusion. I couldn't walk far, let alone drive my car, and fell about 16 times a day. My children couldn't look at me without tears.. it will humble you. However, after surgery I was 70% better just leaving the hospital and I still have pain everyday, I'm am thankful to be blessed and yet to be in a wheelchair. Brandon Reboldts is a miracle worker!
I have severe L4/L5 stenosis and was experiencing crippling sciatica pain. I began following the Gokhale Primal Posture method and fairly quickly began experiencing relief. It’s been more than four years now and I rarely experience any discomfort and have avoided surgery!
Hi, did you take their in-person or video class or did you get your results from the book?
Glad to hear it worked for you. Not many folks have heard of Gokhale. Thanks!!
I have scoliosis which is gradually affecting more and more activities. I periodically have Physical Therapy to strengthen my core, and it does help. But I know this isn't a cure and the effects from having a crooked spine will only worsen with age. Is there anyone out there who can advise/comment? Thanks!