Lumbar stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the spinal 9nerve) chord and thus pinching of nerves; it is due to disc narrowing or collapse and the "wings" of the vertebrae pinching the nerves. If the vertebrae moves forward relative to the others is leads to anterior (forward0 listhesis or the opposite. in any case it all leads to acute pains and even immobility.

Twice I had epidurals, 2003 and 2017; the wait to full effect is 6 weeks. Following failed epidurals, I had two laminectomy (removing bone from vertebrae "wings" to open up the spinal canal) if this fails, the wait time is 6 months to later fusions, L4-L5 (2003) and L2-L3 2017. From MRIs the radiologist writes a report diagnosing the condition; a neurosurgeon follows (by contract) insurance protocol to stage first the epidural followed by a laminectomy and then the fusion if one is required

I have known of a close relative that the epidural releive the pains but paired to opiods. This combination worked for theperson. In my case, i preferrred to cry to taking pain opioids; I lrespect myself, my body more than the pain can make bend to it. Eventually, w/o the pils, one develops a pain threshold relatively high due to the body being led to make it is own endorphins which relieve the pain. Pains moved form groin to buttocks, down to the upper lower limb and often I could not stanmd or walk; I had to sit. but proudly i do say, never pain pilsw. thy damage the pancreas, kidneys etc.

In my cases, due to double herniated disc (2003) and later the same (2017) neurosurgeon decided to due the fusion. Now, here is the kicker. In Germany they replaced the disc w/o any post-surgery physical limitations if any (with over 75000+ successful surgeries of disc replacements). Hhere in the states the FDA does not' allow the German disc replacements to be used ( there are few hospitals that may due it experimentally though) instead they approve fusions (practically time-consuming calcium welding 2 adjacent vertebrae) and thus the surgeons hands are tied by FDA. The outcome of the FDA approved procedures cited above are lengthy recovery, restrictions to movements like lifting and twisting. and other. Whereas the German disc replacement's recovery/release is much faster, the surgery is much less expensive, it takes about one-hour+ to replace a disc (as opposed to several hours for laminectomy and more hours for fusions 6+ hrs). Longer time on the surgery table, longer hours of anesthesias and collateral cognitive effects. End result, in my case, I walked away from of the bed after every procedure andafter the first fusion, I lived pain free for 14 years and currently pain free (but with significant limitations) after the later fusion. Hope this narrative helps you. .

I have also been diagnosed with Spinal Lumbar Stenosis and I am having an MRI in a couple of weeks! I cannot have Surgery, because I have Epilepsy and am allergic to Anesthesia! I also have Asthma, and Osteoporosis; so my only choice is Physical Therapy and walking! I absolutely sympathize with your pain, and hope you feel some relief soon!