Connect
← Return to What helps spinal stenosis besides surgery?
Discussion
What helps spinal stenosis besides surgery?
Spine Health | Last Active: Dec 15, 2024 | Replies (193)Comment receiving replies
I actually did try the NeuroMD and didn’t find it very helpful. I had several “technical” problems with it. Sold it online to someone but of course lost $$ on it.
I had surgery in 2011 which helped but then developed more stenosis problems at another level. Didn’t want another fusion which was offered to me. I am now 70.
I tried injections etc but it got worse to point I was limping and occ used a cane. I then tried a spinal cord stimulator trial which helped and so had a permanent one put in this January. It has definitely helped me and I am glad I did it. Not everyone seems helped by them. It was an “easy” surgery, went home within hours. The hardest part was all the movement restrictions afterwards for several months. I did it in winter so I could be outside in my yard and garden this summer. I live alone and it made me plan ahead and get creative, but I managed!
Always get at least two opinions! Why does your doctor say surgery won’t help?
Replies to "I actually did try the NeuroMD and didn’t find it very helpful. I had several “technical”..."
Hello Wisco, I'm glad you got some relief from the SCS spinal cord stimulator. There are three companies that make SCS's. Which one did you use? Thanks
All this is confusing. I have severe scoliosis, spondylothesis and a 30 or 35% scoliosis curve. Spine surgeon wants to do L5-S1, and maybe a fusion above that. The potential for more burden above those fusions, leading to more surgery is concerning.
I’m 72. I’m told this general age range is when these surgeries happen. I’m very active, though can’t walk over two miles now, and certainly no longer a runner. Sometimes the pain is more than other times.
Going for second opinion at UCSF, and wonder if I shouldn’t check out Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Also a third opinion with a neurosurgeon from Sutter Health/CPMC.
As posted before, was going to do surgery end of this year but then doc wants my bones stronger, hip osteoporsis. Spine at a T score of zero. I know I’ve posted on this and gotten great support for fusion, then see other posts where it’s not so great. Hmm. I’ll keep my weight lifting up, my pelaton, walking what I can, and ordered the McGill book. Glad I am retired!
Connect
@wisco50 I didn't know you had a spinal cord stimulator trial. I'm so happy for you that it worked. I was offered it my a Neurologist, but my surgeon told me if I have surgery it could cause infection. Like I said before, even though it was a 9 hour surgery and a tough one, I'm glad I had it done. Blessings to you an happy too.