I also was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, bulging disks & a narrowed spinal cord. I’ve had a couple of incidents where I’ve needed to reach for something, once under the bed. So I crouched down and reach forward. Then I couldn’t get up, excruciating pain from the mid spine down. I couldn’t move. The first time I simply passed out. I had to call for someone to come lift me up to standing position.
Frankly, I don’t know what happened. Pinched nerves don’t usually make you lose complete control over your body.
I use a TENS unit for times that I have for swelling & aggravated nerves.
I would love to not have to try medication. As you’ve said, the side effects can be worse than the problem.
I wish you luck.