Does anyone have Spinal Stenosis that is extremely bad at wake up?

Has your Dr suggested any surgical intervention to deal with this chronic pain? I'm 70 and my lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, degenerative discs and arthritis spurs everywhere.

I'm fortunate that 1) I don't have pain and 2) I can go to the gym everyday to keep my core strong. My back is certainly stiff but nothing like what you describe. My surgeon told me my strong core is all standing between me and a fusion of S1, L5, and L4 - something I will avoid at all costs.

Thanks for concern and asking. Surgeon said (in 2006) “no way, very difficult and could risk your walking and cause incontinence.” In 2019 …from another Dr. it’s too late. My core is not good, took special back core courses but it is not easy. But I am encouraged by your situation. Life circumstances changed in 2004 so wonderful husband (second marriage). I retired early from teaching and so we travelled together. Mutual caring helped push my boundaries of pain. Challenges just don’t stop coming.

Surgery should be your last resort when the pain is too much. If you haven’t been evaluated by a PT yet find a good one, get a home exercise program and kill it. The more active you are the better off you’ll be. If you’re size challenged work on goals that help you incorporate a healthy life style and healthy eating too. Good luck with your back.

Ok, here we go. I had a lamenectomy and fusion on L4/5 in 2018. As of this morning i have just found out that i have not been imagining the pain for the last 6 months. XRay and MRI done and it looks like L 3/4 and L5/S1 are shot and need to be fused. The pain is getting progressively worse. After the fusion in '18 I had the please of getting two new full hip replacements 3 weeks apart. I really dont want another surgery but i am not sure there are any other options. Anyone have any input or advice? Thanks, TW

Hi btw,

I had laminotomies at S1, L5, L4 about 10 years ago. It was done to relieve sciatic pain (back of leg) and to remove a portion of the S1/L5 disc that had ruptured and detached from the main disc. The surgeon cut holes in the back of these three vertebrae, making more room for the sciatic nerve and relieving pressure, and to remove the ruptured disc material. Recovery went well and I haven't had a reoccurrence.

That said, I have all major pathologies in my lumbar spine - stenosis, scoliosis, and listhesis. It is a disaster area.

I saw a new surgeon a few years ago. He confirmed this diagnosis, and said the only thing holding my lumbar spine together is a very strong set of core muscles. I'm 70 now and I am in the gym everyday and I do some core work everyday. My weight is normal (160 lbs) for my height (5'10").

I don't know the condition of your core, or if strengthening it would spare you from more fusion. Just a suggestion - ask your surgeon. It sounds like S1 through L3 would have to be fused, but that's a last resort. You may very well need this surgery, I'm no doctor! But I have had problems, left and right rear legs, due to sciatica.

Again, check with your Dr. to see if there is anything you can do short of surgery. Finally, you mention being in pain the last six months. Is the pain in the back of your leg(s). This is where pain from a compressed sciatic nerve would manifest. If you feel pain in your lower back, it may be a muscle injury.

I hope this helps, and all the best to you.

Joe

All Makes sense. I do work on my core, but could always do more. Thanks for the reply.

I have severe Ll4/5 stenosis and was having crippling sciatica pain. I began following the Gokhale Primal Posture method and have been pain free for several years now and avoided surgery. It might be worth a try in your situation.

Have you ever heard of the M.I.L.D. procedure? Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression changed my life completely. It is a 15 minute procedure that is done on an outpatient basis. Hope this helps!!!!! Please look into it. Thinking of you ❤️!!!