Does anyone have Spinal Stenosis that is extremely bad at wake up?

Posted by mick472 @mick472, Sep 26 11:54pm

I was just diagnosed a couple months ago with lumbar spinal stenosis. I have good days and uncomfortable days. I am not in severe pain, but very limited on what I can do so I don't aggravate it. But, I am having a terrible time upon wake up for some reason. I have to hold on to doors, wall whatever, as I can hardly walk. It eventually subsides as I take a anti-inflammatory and hang on in a hot shower for about 20 minutes. Does anyone have this problem or better yet a routine at night to help prevent this in the AM?

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slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Oct 3 10:04am

Epidural steroid injection works very well for pain associated with disc bulging, herniation, and foraminal stenosis where the opening through which the nerves pass is narrowed causing inflammation of the nerves. Facet joint pain responds well to radio frequency ablation (RFA) where the sensory nerve is “burned” electronically and results often last 9-12 months. It’s crucial to get an MRI to determine exactly what is causing the pain. Then an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated. I have been through all these things since my 30s. 74 now. Nothing cures it but treatments and lifestyle measures can help a great deal, not to mention prevention of making it worse with poor body mechanics, posture, heavy lifting and aggravating activities. I hope you get relief!

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Oct 3 8:02pm

In reply to @bayhorse "Surgical decompression? Have not heard of this. Can you say a bit more?" + (show)

@bayhorse I was speaking in general terms. Decompression means you are taking pressure off of something. In spine surgery, that could mean different procedures. Here is a link that describes different ways to decompress spine issues both non-surgical and surgical.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10874-spinal-decompression-therapy

willow5 | @willow5 | Oct 4 9:09am

In reply to @heyjoe415 "Hi Sue, Did you get fusion surgery? I had a laminotomy 10 years ago to clear..." + (show)

Hi - i’m not Sue, but I’m looking at fusion because of the degree of compression on L5. Probably need two areas done, hope to meet with surgeon soon.

Want to hear what Sue says.

I’m thinking, surgery at 71 may be worth the long term results, even though I’ll lose so much fitness by not being able to bike or weight lift for 3 months afterwards. Gosh, the idea of walking more than a mile without pain sounds pretty good. I’ve been getting epidurals for 25 years when necessary. Just gave up running in June. Willow

nels0nraver | @nels0nraver | Oct 4 9:34am

In reply to @willow5 "Hi - i’m not Sue, but I’m looking at fusion because of the degree of compression..." + (show)

@willow5 I had a fusion in 1982, it failed and another in 1986 along with a pair of Harrington 2028 rods. Although the spinal stenosis has become severe, I have been fully functional since then and am twice retired. I credit the Harrington rods.

loriesco | @loriesco | Oct 4 10:33am

you get back your life... and more.

loriesco | @loriesco | Oct 4 10:35am

In reply to @slkanowitz "Epidural steroid injection works very well for pain associated with disc bulging, herniation, and foraminal stenosis..." + (show)

Well said and my experience too. The heat ablatia worked perfectly for me - but not the pulse. Its a coordinated effort between a good team of doctors for me over 30 years of degenerative conditions.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 4 2:51pm

In reply to @willow5 "Hi - i’m not Sue, but I’m looking at fusion because of the degree of compression..." + (show)

Sorry about the name mixup Willow.

I’m 70 with a disaster area in my lumbar spine. I don’t have sciatica now, but my walking is affected. Back is very stiff after getting up.

I spin 5 times a week. Guessing I’d need S1 L5 and L4 fused. I hope I can resume that if I have fusion.

I recently tried orthotics from goodfeet.com - my gait is straight and walking is easy. Just turned 70.

Suggestions? Will fusion still allow me to spin?

Thanks Willow and all!

Joe

devaallen | @devaallen | Oct 6 12:40pm

Yes, I can barely walk sometimes. I was married about a week ago. Waking up in so much pain almost derailed my entire life. I was determined to walk on my own with no assistance or cane. I hope you feel better soon.