Has anyone suffered from lumbar spinal stenosis? Did you have surgery?

Posted by patriciajennye @patriciajennye, Feb 4, 2018

Has anyone suffered from lumbar spinal stenosis and the severe pain that goes with it? Did you have surgery? Mayo Clinic?

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Profile picture for cianci @cianci

Has anyone had L2-pelvis decompression and fusion?
77 year old active male with aches in buttocks and legs for year (coincides with starting statin) has been recommended fot this surgery. Can anybody describe the effectiveness of this procedure?

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The book is "8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back" by Esther Gokhale. A Mayo neurologist with an M.D. and PH.D. called it "The greatest contribution ever made to non-surgical back pain treatment." Go to https://gokhalemethod.com for various information. I've also been able to find used copies online that I've given to friends. You can learn a lot reading the book, but if possible try to do at least a one day or online training with Esther or one of her qualified teachers.

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Profile picture for cianci @cianci

Has anyone had L2-pelvis decompression and fusion?
77 year old active male with aches in buttocks and legs for year (coincides with starting statin) has been recommended fot this surgery. Can anybody describe the effectiveness of this procedure?

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What type of surgery did you have? Fusion, spacers, ect

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Profile picture for cianci @cianci

Has anyone had L2-pelvis decompression and fusion?
77 year old active male with aches in buttocks and legs for year (coincides with starting statin) has been recommended fot this surgery. Can anybody describe the effectiveness of this procedure?

Jump to this post

I have severe L4/5 stenosis and was experiencing crippling sciatica pain. I found Gokhale Method “Eight Steps to a Pain Free Back.” I started following and did a one day workshop training. I’ve been virtually pain free for several years now and have resumed a physically active lifestyle.

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Profile picture for shar1120 @shar1120

What type of surgery did you have? Fusion, spacers, ect

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I didn’t have surgery. I started following the Gokhale posture method and did a one day group trainin.

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Profile picture for cianci @cianci

Has anyone had L2-pelvis decompression and fusion?
77 year old active male with aches in buttocks and legs for year (coincides with starting statin) has been recommended fot this surgery. Can anybody describe the effectiveness of this procedure?

Jump to this post

Can Spinal Lumbar Stenosis be reversed? At first, I had pains in my lower back, but now it's down to my right ankle.

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Profile picture for jasmarrie @jasmarrie

Can Spinal Lumbar Stenosis be reversed? At first, I had pains in my lower back, but now it's down to my right ankle.

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Not reversed, but controlled. Look into Gokhale Primal Posture method. It’s done wonders for my severe L4/5 stenosis.

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Profile picture for sbcarcht @sbcarcht

Not reversed, but controlled. Look into Gokhale Primal Posture method. It’s done wonders for my severe L4/5 stenosis.

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Can you explain the Gokhale Primal Posture method? This is the first I've heard of it.

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Profile picture for jasmarrie @jasmarrie

Can Spinal Lumbar Stenosis be reversed? At first, I had pains in my lower back, but now it's down to my right ankle.

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@jasmarrie
I have lumbar stenosis, degenerative disc disease and neurogenic claudication. This causes pain, weakness and numbness for me from lower back, hips, buttocks, thighs and down to feet.

Did you have a MRI and what levels are involved in your lumbar spine? Does it show osteophytes/bone spurs, degenerative discs/herniations/bulges, alignment issues (spondylolisthesis), compressed or flattened spinal cord/nerve roots, etc.?

Degeneration cannot be reversed but you can try to slow the progression and treat symptoms.

Here is the AI summary response:
“ Spinal lumbar stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can cause symptoms such as lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, and weakness, which may radiate down to the ankles or feet.
Can Spinal Lumbar Stenosis Be Reversed?
Reversal vs. Management:
Reversal: In most cases, spinal lumbar stenosis cannot be completely reversed, especially if there is significant structural change in the spine, such as bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or herniated discs. However, the symptoms can often be managed effectively.
Management: Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving function rather than reversing the condition itself.
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatments:
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a program to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. This can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) or prescription medications can help manage pain and inflammation.
Epidural Steroid Injections: These can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and incorporating low-impact exercises (like swimming or walking) can be beneficial.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine.
Surgical Options:
If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief and symptoms significantly impact quality of life, surgical options may be considered. Common procedures include:
Laminectomy: Removal of a portion of the vertebra (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Foraminotomy: Widening the openings where nerves exit the spine to relieve compression.
Spinal Fusion: In some cases, fusing adjacent vertebrae may be necessary to stabilize the spine.
Conclusion
While spinal lumbar stenosis may not be reversible, many individuals find relief through a combination of conservative treatments, lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, surgical interventions. If you are experiencing pain radiating down to your ankle, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a spine specialist or orthopedic surgeon, who can evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.”

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Profile picture for elizadolittle @elizadolittle

Can you explain the Gokhale Primal Posture method? This is the first I've heard of it.

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Basically learning to move without excess curvature of the spine. Search online onder the name and you’ll find explanations better than I can provide. I’ve avoided surgery myself.

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Profile picture for jasmarrie @jasmarrie

Can Spinal Lumbar Stenosis be reversed? At first, I had pains in my lower back, but now it's down to my right ankle.

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I had that, and in April I had the Mild Procedure done, which helped, look it up

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