Is acupuncture successful in pain relief from lumbar spinal stenosis

@missvikki I have not tried acupuncture, but my physical therapist has used a Dolphin neurostimulator on the nerve roots on my cervical spine. There is a setting that interrupts pain signal transmission. This was before I had spine surgery for cervical stenosis, and that helped suppress pain for about a week and bought me some time before having surgery with weekly appointments. She was also doing myofascial release and manual therapy to get the spine realigned back to a more normal curvature.

The Dolphin devices are 2 handheld devices that pass an electric current between them. This can simulate acupuncture and dry needling without the needles. Dry needling uses needles to dissipate the charges trapped in a muscle with a spasm and discharge that electricity. Here is some information on the Dolphin.

Jennifer

@missvikki The e-stim helped but acupuncture helped me more. Unfortunately, I was too disabled to work and had not yet received disability so could not afford to keep it up. If you can afford it or can get it covered, maybe you can try it and see if it works for you. Best wishes.

missvikki - so sorry for what you are going through. You said it is painful to walk. Can you be more specific as to the nature of the pain, location, sharp or dull, etc.?

Also, is it painful to stand, and if yes, do you get relief when you sit down?

First thing in the morning I can walk and move around as though nothing was wrong but as the day goes by it becomes very painful down in the lower back, my right buttock and leg. Using a walker helps. Sometimes feels worse than others . Standing for too long is not a good idea! Sitting is fine and when standing again it depends on what kind of chair I am using as to whether or not it is painful. Thank you for your concern.

I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I have chronic pain as well, including chronic back pain from a spinal fusion. I feel acupuncture is one of those things that it doesn’t hurt to try, if you’re open to it and can find a provider you feel comfortable with. I had a consult with an integrative physician at Mayo and he specified that it usually takes at least 10 weeks to determine if it’s helping or not. I’d agree, as I’ve done acupuncture for neuropathy before as well.

Acupuncture doesn’t completely eliminate my back or other pain, but it does feel like some of the tension is somehow released from me. I get the most value out of feeling very rested, especially when I ask for treatment for stress as well as the pain. I think I don’t realize how much tension I’m holding nearly all the time because of the chronic pain. For that feeling alone, it’s been worth it to me and thankfully my insurance covers it.

Others have mentioned different types of manual therapy as well. My PCP is a DO, and she still practices osteopathic manipulation therapy, which is very gentle hands-on therapy that is very safe. This has also been helpful to me but it’s sometimes harder to find a provider who does OMT.

Wishing you all the best.

Thank you very much for your kind words and suggestions. I will certainly look into finding an acupuncturist that may be able to help. The tension when walking doesn't help either, anticipating pain. But there will be a time when my discomfort is just that and no longer debilitating pain! Thank you again.

Hi I started going to a good chiropractor .and I used to have spinal mild stenosis after going to a good chiropractor they say I don't have spinal stenosis anymore they did MRI and before Denver I showed mild spinal stenosis and now they do not see on a couple years later they did another MRI and now they don't see spinal stenosis. Look in your area for a good chiropractor and look at Google reviews. One that does X-rays and one that will explain everything to you. Not one don't go to another twist your neck that goes back and forth. That's old school and going out a date. Best of luck and prayers
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missvikki - this sure sounds like sciatica to me. And the only reason I suspect that is that I had many of the same conditions and symptoms as you. I had spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal usually due to arthritis, and I still have scoliosis, a bending of the lumbar spine in my case. Actually, this stuff is still going on, but my core is very strong and that helps.

It could also be a herniated disc that should be visible on an X-ray or MRI. These can be treated with cortisone shots (it's not as bad as it sounds) and usually resolve without surgery.

It could also be a ruptured disc, in which case surgery is required. I had laminotomies on my L4, L5, and S1 vertebra. The surgeon drilled holes into the back of the vertebra, cleaned up the arthritis and removed the disc that had ruptured into the spinal canal. This reduced the stenosis and gave the nerves more room. The first surgeon would only do fusion. I found a second surgeon who did this without fusion. Recovery was pretty quick, say a week or so, and that was just over 10 years ago.

I was in my mid 50s and fusion wasn't necessary. Now I've lost 20 lbs, exercise every day, especially the core muscles, and that is all that is holding my lumbar spine together. I'm 69 now, and if I need surgery again, I've been told it will involve fusion.

So back to your question, I'm doubtful acupuncture can help with this condition. But do check around as long as you can deal with the symptoms. I got to the point where I couldn't stand up for more than a few minutes and walking was hard.

Simple ways to get short-term relief - ice your lower back as often as possible (absolutely no heat!) and lay on the floor on your back and put your les up on a couch. Get a pillow and a book and take some pressure off. But these are temporary. This is also probably why you feel better in the morning. You've taken pressure off the spine while sleeping.

Get well, get better (you will!).

Joe, I respectfully disagree with you on icing the lower back.
I do experience serious issues with lower back (and hip joints), and often get pain ranging from P.Scale 4 (and constant) up to a level 8-9 (out of 10). Most recent episodes were from late November, all of December (Pain Scale levels 6 to 8), and into January (upped to a 9 out of 10, at times felt like a 15)....Couldn't walk, stay standing for more than 10 to 15 minutes, and awakened daily in acute pain that affected me viscerally, along with impaired, non-restorative sleep.
My large heating pad was what alleviated my agony.
I spent much time on/off throughout the day with the heavenly pad, propped with pillows. I was so grateful for the comfort and reduction in pain (which at times took hours to achieve). Used Aleve carefully and sparingly, the only pain med that I can take, as well as Blue Emu cream (no odor). Made appointment with pain management doctor, and agreed to steroid shots because I was seriously miserable. Dang those shots hurt! But then again, my derriere is highly sensitive to pain since there are "fibromyalgia points" in that area, so I just clenched my jaw and dealt with it.
That was this past Friday late-afternoon (heavy snow interfered with original appointment date). By Saturday afternoon ALL of the excruciating pain in my lumbar region (and leading UP the spine) was GONE😁. And hip pain was reduced tremendously (Pain Scale Level 5). Have not had to apply heat all weekend thus far, and it is now nearly 6:30 AM on Sunday, two days post injections. And I am actually SMILING today, instead of having misery painted on entire face😁. I can walk, sit, stand, and FUNCTION! I feel as normal as can be, considering what my body dishes out.

I will be seeing a spine specialist, since I have no intentions of dealing with steroid shots for the balance of my life. I don't expect miracles, and I don't favor surgery or implants, so the amazing heating pad will be used as and when needed. But cold on that area for me just cannot happen.
Based on spine MRI (without contrast) done Jan. '23, there is a great deal going on with my lumbar area in particular. (My insurance verified that another MRI can be done since it's been more than a year and pain has progressed.) In radiologist's report (I capitalized certain words): "...mild retrolisthesis at L2-L3 and L3-L4...broad-based posterior DISC BULGE and mild bilateral facet arthropathy resulting in mild bilateral neural foraminal NARROWING and mild central canal NARROWING. Also IMPINGEMENT of bilateral descending L3 NERVE ROOTS within the right and left lateral recesses." As if that were not enough, L3-4 are also affected and shows "...posterior DISC BULGES, with MODERATE TO SEVERE right neural foramina narrowing, moderate left neural foramina narrowing and moderate central canal narrowing; IMPINGEMENT of bilateral descending L4 NERVE ROOTS with right and left lateral recesses." L4-L5 also shows "...DISC BULGE and moderate bilateral facet arthropathy resulting in mild to moderate bilateral neural foramina narrowing but no significant central canal narrowing."
THANKFULLY, L5-S1 shows only mild facet arthropathy, no spinal canal or neuroforaminal stenosis."
Geeesh! Yes, there is a great deal going on in that region. 🤔😳

I won't go to a back orthopedist because a few years ago when there was so much less going on with my back, and such a doctor told me brusquely "Look, I'm a SURGEON! You want surgery, I can do that for you, otherwise I can't help you." Nice, huh? So I walked out and didn't seek further help at that time...But NOW, I will be seeking help of spine specialists, some 18 YEARS after I was brushed off by that haughty, arrogant orthopedist within the medical group to which I belonged at the time.

I'm 75, can't take codeine/morphine or other such drugs, and react horribly to anesthesia (hallucinations and losing consciousness) so surgery is not a viable option for me...looking forward to specialist's assessment and recommendations. And I researching info on a lumbar support pillow. Meantime, the trusted heating pad is within easy reach to use as needed.
Definitely an individual choice, a decision based on what has been effective for each person. I wish only the best for everyone looking to achieve relief.👍🏼😊

I believe acupuncture will /could help you. I’ve used acupuncture for my lower back years back, and now for muscle spasms in my shoulder& rib area. I believe it works if you find a licensed acupuncturist. Mine studies in China and is a dr of acupuncture. Good luck & bless