Spinal stenosis. Any recommendations?

I had severe stenosis at L3-S1 and finally decided to go ahead with surgery on 3/30/26. My results have been excellent. My back pain is gone along with my sciatica. I am very glad I had the surgery. If you do decide on surgery at some point make sure you have the best surgeon you can find. I had a laminectomy and fusion at L3-S1 and I now need the same surgery on my cervical spine. I have an appointment this week to discuss new MRI findings with my orthopedic spine surgeon. I am hoping it can wait a little longer so that I am fully recovered from my back surgery. Everything points to at least a year to fully recover. I know this is not an easy decision because it took me a year to make the decision to have the surgery. Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do!

loonylady, what does your MRI say what is going on at the levels of your stenosis.

At age 83 selected surgery for spinal stenosis, as surgeon wouldn't suggest or perform at a later age. Had 10 years of no pain (great success). At 94 developed spinal arthritis and am living with that at 96. I never regretted the surgery and suggest a good and conservative surgeon can give you a better back (and life)

I’m an 82 year old female who was diagnosed with spinal stenosis about 5 years ago. I’m sure I’ve had it much longer but that’s when the pain got much worse. I was told only remedy was surgery. I wasn’t interested as I didn’t know anyone at the time with a successful back surgery.

I tried the injections and initially they really helped a lot. However, the last two didn’t help much at all. Now over the last few months my pain has shifted. Instead of being in my hips and down my right leg, it has settled in my lower back. I was scheduled for another injection so I told pain dr about the shift. It would seem if pain shifted, things have changed in my back and maybe I need a new MRI but dr just said we can discuss when you come for injection.

I’ve tried Gabapentin and Pregabalin but neither helped. I take two Extra Strength Tylenol twice a day. I use a cane in the morning because I can’t stand up straight for maybe the first hour I’m up. I’ve decided to use a cane when I leave the house as I feel more stable in walking and I’ve been told I stand straighter, rather than slightly hunched over.

I went to chiropractor but after looking at my MRI, he said he didn’t feel he could help. I’ve just started PT again. First time it didn’t seem to help but I’m not sure I was diligent about the exercising. This time I’m doing them each day. It won’t cure anything but hopefully it will strengthen my midsection. I weight 135 and am 5’2” tall.

So I’m looking for tips from others on how they deal with this. If I was in good health, I might consider a minimally invasive procedure but because of three leaky heart valves I have, it doesn’t seem like a good idea. Any thought on meds you’ve tried, back braces you may use or anything else, I’d appreciate hearing from you. I do have an appointment with my orthopedist next week and I have a list of questions to ask.

@loonylady - nice to meet you, and welcome. I am sorry you are still having so much trouble with pain from spinal stenosis.

I wanted to let you know I moved your post here so you could chat with others in this discussion already talking about spinal stenosis:

- Spinal stenosis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-stenosis-8/

If you are replying by email, click on VIEW & REPLY so that you will be brought to the new discussion. I suggest reading previous posts and posting yourself, as you feel comfortable.

Glad to see you've connected wtih @kaylin7 @sbcarcht @lessie @wrzakers @yaya1215 @ccchang @llander1966 @mikeb39a @gently and @marietter. Hoping others here will also chime in on tips to deal with spinal stenosis pain - medications, devices or anything else.

What do you feel has helped you deal with the pain most effectively, loonylady, if even for short periods?

@gently Thank you for response. MRI says L4-5 severe central canal stenosis relating to spondylolisthesis and facet arthrosis. Moderate to severe bilateral foraminal impingement with mass effect on L4 nerve roots, greater to the right. There is also mild central canal stenosis at L3-4.

@mikeb39a Thank you for the response. I do have a handicap sticker although I usually park farther from the door of the store so that I have to walk. Most times, except on a bad day, it isn’t painful to walk and I figure the little bit of exercise is good for me.
I’ll check out that book although I know nothing will heal my back as there is too much degeneration. Some things may help but not heal.
I hope the things you’re doing will continue to be helpful.

@loonylady You're lucky that you can walk from far away. I can't and use a cane.

All the best to you!

I’m an 82 year old female who was diagnosed with spinal stenosis about 5 years ago. I’m sure I’ve had it much longer but that’s when the pain got much worse. I was told only remedy was surgery. I wasn’t interested as I didn’t know anyone at the time with a successful back surgery.

I tried the injections and initially they really helped a lot. However, the last two didn’t help much at all. Now over the last few months my pain has shifted. Instead of being in my hips and down my right leg, it has settled in my lower back. I was scheduled for another injection so I told pain dr about the shift. It would seem if pain shifted, things have changed in my back and maybe I need a new MRI but dr just said we can discuss when you come for injection.

I’ve tried Gabapentin and Pregabalin but neither helped. I take two Extra Strength Tylenol twice a day. I use a cane in the morning because I can’t stand up straight for maybe the first hour I’m up. I’ve decided to use a cane when I leave the house as I feel more stable in walking and I’ve been told I stand straighter, rather than slightly hunched over.

I went to chiropractor but after looking at my MRI, he said he didn’t feel he could help. I’ve just started PT again. First time it didn’t seem to help but I’m not sure I was diligent about the exercising. This time I’m doing them each day. It won’t cure anything but hopefully it will strengthen my midsection. I weight 135 and am 5’2” tall.

So I’m looking for tips from others on how they deal with this. If I was in good health, I might consider a minimally invasive procedure but because of three leaky heart valves I have, it doesn’t seem like a good idea. Any thought on meds you’ve tried, back braces you may use or anything else, I’d appreciate hearing from you. I do have an appointment with my orthopedist next week and I have a list of questions to ask.

@loonylady
Look on YouTube for leg exercises. Flex and point your feet while sitting standing or laying in bed. These exercises help bring the blood back up to your heart.Great for circulation.The exercises will help keep you strong and active. Just go slow. I hope you feel better and stronger every day.