Hi fifi!

I can't respond directly to your question about traveling with spinal stenosis. Looks like you've gotten good advice from other travelers.

I'm 70 y/o, male, and recently dropped my weight from 190 lbs to 160. That took a year, cutting out refined sugar, and a lot of spinning and core strengthening in the gym. And I was in pretty good shape even at 190 lbs, but still weighed too much for my height.

I have spinal stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis (one vertebra sliding ahead of the vertebra below), osteoarthritis and spurs, and degenerative discs - all in my lumbar spine. My surgeon tells me I'm avoiding the need for spinal fusion because of my strong core muscles. The weight loss just happened when I prioritized cardio exercise, specifically HIIT sessions 5x week on a stationary (ICG) bike.

I did have surgery about 10 years ago - laminotomies on S1, L5, and L4. The disc at S1/L5 had partially ruptured. The surgeon drilled holes in the backs of those three vertebra, removed the ruptured disc material, and "sanded" down arthritic spurs inside my spinal canal to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve from stenosis. (Before the surgery I had symptoms of sciatica - pain in the back of my legs, inability to stand for long.). Recovery was very short thankfully.

If I fly anywhere, I bite the bullet and pay for first class. On domestic flights that provides mostly more leg room. On international flights on bigger planes the FC seats should flatten out like a bed.

All the best to you. Focus on core muscle work everyday, the exercises are pretty easy - I also suggest working with a physical therapist or a trainer with a degree in kinesiology at a good gym.

Finally, use ice on your lower back, never heat. The ice will reduce inflammation - the heat will make inflammation worse. You can also ask about a cortisone shot - epidural - to reduce inflammation in the short term, 1-3 months. I would stay away from chiropractors, but that's just my personal preference.

That's all I got fifi! I wish you all the best. I'm familiar with the pain produced by stenosis. No fun at all - so please support your lumbar spine by keeping your core strong. I know you will!

Joe