Questions regarding spinal stenosis

I had two shots which were temporary. Lasted for about three months and pain came back. Doctor told me I had atrhritus and nothing could be done except surgery. I was told by my minister, who is suffering as well, to bend over like touching your toes. Do this daily. It has cleared up my pain now for 6 months. I don't know if this would work for you, but give it a try. Prayers for you. Please let me know if this cleared up your situation.

Good afternoon.
Regarding Spinal Stenosis, I had surgery on October 22nd, 2024. Before my surgery, I did go through Pain Management using the epidural shot for my relief. I also started stretching and using heat and ice to at least bring my pain down.

Hope this helps.

Dear @deyo5656
Zero pain of these things; a few years ago,I killed mr and zero meds of pain.

I used this meds help, or fix, my non-seizure from my accident, 12 years ago. I use that 2x 3 times a day of gabapentin.

I pray for you pain; I’ve been there,
Greg D. @greg1956

Hi
Test

So are you saying the surgery helped? What type of surgery did you have? How long before you felt relief? Where did you have the surgery? I’m considering a minor decompression surgery in a few months. Thanks!

Hey there, I have spinal stenosis in a couple of areas as well. I take gabapentin, but it does not resolve the pain. It only turns down the volume. In my opinion and experience when there’s a structural issue like stenosis, it can’t be solved by a chemical, it has to be solved by a structural change. For me, my stenosis was caused by a bulging disc, pressing on the cord until it went to the center of my spinal cord. I had an ACDF C4-7 a few months ago. The extreme pain I was in is gone as is most of the motor impairment in my arm and legs. I have some remaining pain that is less intense and both motor and pain impairments are improving day by day.

I have another area of cord stenosis in the thoracic spine. I do take gabapentin to turn down the volume of the pain. However, I will have surgery to correct this stenosis since it is a structural issue.

Anyway, that’s my opinion and experience. maybe it’ll help you. Good luck!

Epidurals quit working for me, I changed docs and started at UCSF Pain Management. Epidural approach was different, different spot, and now it is working for me. I think I’m in much better hands!

I also was told when/if the shots don’t work or last long enough, they can be done under CT scan so the view for the doctorss of where the needle is going is much more precise. That is great. But, really, why not do it with the CT first and be more precise? Less steroids in the long run when you can guide the needle more precisely. I just thought about that.

I know mine was done where the pain management Doctor could see the needle being inserted . I was able to view his screen also.

I didn’t mention that the pain management doctor said he really didn’t anticipate them working for me, but it was just one of the insurance requirements before surgery approval. I had 4 level fusion and 3 disc cages done on 6/17/25 and saw my surgeon and am doing quite well. I quit the surgical pain meds the day I was released from the hospital on 6/20/25 and rely on Tylenol and my best friend , an wearable ice pack. I Did not take anything except Tylenol prior to surgery either except for extra strength Tylenol either, but I do not like the loss of control that opioids cause. I wouldn’t dream of driving on opioids.

I’ve consulted on the decompression surgery also. Once/if the shot stop working that will be the route I take, I guess. I’ve also pondered a second opinion from Stanford, but I have a feeling there are only so many options for this condition and probably shouldn’t waste my time.