Spinal stenosis: Spinal cord stimulator vs laminectomy

Posted by kristineberry @kristineberry, Oct 26, 2019

Trying to do research for my 72-yr old mother who has stenosis in L4/L5. She has tried steroids, pain meds, etc. but has had no relief and is now really struggling to walk, when she was dancing earlier this year. She had a doctor tell her she should get a laminectomy. When she saw the neurosurgeon where she lives (rural area) he told her she should consider a spinal cord stimulator instead of surgery. I'm trying to understand why he would recommend this option instead of surgery, when she has no other complicating risk factors (i.e. she is otherwise healthy, not on medication, doesn't smoke, etc.). Can't find anything online about comparing the two treatment options. All I can find is about using a stimulator after a failed laminectomy, not reasons to use a stimulator instead of a laminectomy. Seems like it is treating the symptoms and not the underlying problem. Any advice or data is appreciated.

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fighter | @fighter | Jul 11, 2020

I'd get a new pulmonologist!

migizii | @migizii | Jul 11, 2020

In reply to @fighter "I'd get a new pulmonologist!" + (show)

You really think so?!?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 11, 2020

In reply to @migizii "@migizii I seem to be having a similar problem getting specific recommendations from my Mayo pulmonologist..." + (show)

@migizii, I'm confused. Are you trying to get information about spinal surgery or stimulator and specific recommendations with respect to your having broncheictasis? Can you explain?

migizii | @migizii | Jul 11, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "@migizii, I'm confused. Are you trying to get information about spinal surgery or stimulator and specific..." + (show)

@colleenyoung I was writing in response to the issue of not getting answers to questions from my doctor as @dearestdeana was mentioning.....my issue was related to specific Covid recommendations for my bronchiectasis and I have only received “follow the cdc guidelines.” As I didn’t sense this as enough, I sent more specific questions and have tried twice to hear from him through the portal, with no response. It has been noted that my messages have been read. Is this any clearer?🤪

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 12, 2020

In reply to @migizii "@colleenyoung I was writing in response to the issue of not getting answers to questions from..." + (show)

Thank you, @migizii. You may be interested in this discussion and to ask your questions to other MAC members
- COVID-19 and MAC: What are you doing differently to protect yourself? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19/

lilypaws | @lilypaws | Jul 14, 2020

@kristineberry I hope I got the right person. I had a fusion surgery on my back. From T-10 to my pelvis. Degeneration of my spine caused a scoliosis and I had stenosis the same place your mom has and my surgeon at Mayo at Rochester had to get my nerves free from being pinched. Has she had an MRI? I know surgery is tough and a long recovery, but if she just needs L-4 and 5 surgery I would go for surgery. From what you said it sound like the same pain I was having. I could hardly walk on my right leg. I am 68. I'm still recovering and have seen my surgeon for a 1 month check-up. My x-rays were ok, but I have been over doing. I wear a brace and can't bend, twist, or lift anything heavy. My bones were soft so I have been on Tymlos an injection with a very small needle into my stomach daily to increase my bone mass. I may have to be on it for 2 years, but possible with the surgeons ok go on another one where I would need an injection every 6 months or a year. Mayo is great, we live 31/2 hours from Mayo. Sounds like if you live in a small town you need to go to a bigger hospital clinic where they have better doctors to treat this disorder. I feel for her, I hope she gets some help.