1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

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

Posted by mick472 @mick472, Sep 26, 2024

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 10 2:56pm
In reply to @msmcecelia "Hi fellow sufferer, yes I am overwhelmed with pain —lumbar—getting up in the morning. My extreme..." + (show)
@msmcecelia

Hi fellow sufferer, yes I am overwhelmed with pain —lumbar—getting up in the morning. My extreme pain from degeneration of discs is worst after lying down for a long time. I always have to keep medication beside the bed, low dosage Hydromorphone and Tylenol to help. Most importantly my walker is on brakes beside the bed for support. After the painful effort to straighten up, in a few minutes it will subside, but that walker is invaluable to safely get to bathroom. I only use the walker for mornings and if I am expecting to visit the hospital for a test etc. I notice a difference in aging from the pain. During the day I am not too active because of the cold snowy weather. There is an option for a warm therapy pool I will be trying.

Jump to this post

Has your Dr suggested any surgical intervention to deal with this chronic pain? I'm 70 and my lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, degenerative discs and arthritis spurs everywhere.

I'm fortunate that 1) I don't have pain and 2) I can go to the gym everyday to keep my core strong. My back is certainly stiff but nothing like what you describe. My surgeon told me my strong core is all standing between me and a fusion of S1, L5, and L4 - something I will avoid at all costs.

REPLY
1 reply
msmcecelia | @msmcecelia | Feb 10 5:39pm
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Has your Dr suggested any surgical intervention to deal with this chronic pain? I'm 70 and..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Has your Dr suggested any surgical intervention to deal with this chronic pain? I'm 70 and my lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, degenerative discs and arthritis spurs everywhere.

I'm fortunate that 1) I don't have pain and 2) I can go to the gym everyday to keep my core strong. My back is certainly stiff but nothing like what you describe. My surgeon told me my strong core is all standing between me and a fusion of S1, L5, and L4 - something I will avoid at all costs.

Jump to this post

Thanks for concern and asking. Surgeon said (in 2006) “no way, very difficult and could risk your walking and cause incontinence.” In 2019 …from another Dr. it’s too late. My core is not good, took special back core courses but it is not easy. But I am encouraged by your situation. Life circumstances changed in 2004 so wonderful husband (second marriage). I retired early from teaching and so we travelled together. Mutual caring helped push my boundaries of pain. Challenges just don’t stop coming.

REPLY
jenatsky | @jenatsky | Feb 16 1:08pm

Surgery should be your last resort when the pain is too much. If you haven’t been evaluated by a PT yet find a good one, get a home exercise program and kill it. The more active you are the better off you’ll be. If you’re size challenged work on goals that help you incorporate a healthy life style and healthy eating too. Good luck with your back.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.