Spinal stenosis sufferer.

Hello twigletI’ve got it. I’m 49. Following with interest!

I suffered with it for many years and had varying treatments finally I had TLIF surgery (spinal fusion) in 2008 and have had no problems since.

I’ve bought a Muscle Mat which is a cheaper version of a Shakti mat ( not sure if there’s a difference: they look the same) and I now lie on it at night and put it behind me when I’m sitting down. My arthritis has recently taken a huge turn for the worse and I’m sure it’s helping me. My hip has been hurting recently so last night I placed the mat lower down and(touch wood) it isn’t hurting today. Probably just a placebo effect of some kind but if you found that acupuncture helped then this is just a form of acupressure. It sounds odd to say that lying on what is effectively a bed of plastic nails is relaxing but to me it is! If you buy the original Shakti mat they will refund you if it doesn’t work for you. I also take lots of turmeric. I have been wondering if my leg pain is something to do with my spine: I have a very curved back.

Thanks MayBee70and * LadyGracie* for info on Shakti Mats, Turmeric and TLIF…Will look into these….?

I have just been diagnosed with this, nothing the physio suggests seems to help. He gave me a walking stick last week but I cannot get on with it. Currently I have to do 2 x 15 minute walks a day, then 3 x by next week + 30 mins Pilates + some other stretching - seem to spend all my time exercising or recovering from exercise?‍?

I have multiple spinal problems due to ageing including stenosis and like you Nannatwiglet standing for long periods is a no-no.
I have learned to pace myself. eg. when I make birthday cakes now I make and freeze the cake and decorate it in stages over one or two days. Walking with my dog twice a day is usually OK though.
I do 20 mins physio exercises every morning and swim once or twice a week which really helps. I use medication for the odd flare up of pain plus a warm bath and/or a hotwater bottle. I bought a new mattress which has helped a lot too.
I found the benefit of chiro very short lived but acupuncture
excellent.
Hope this helps.

I have just been diagnosed with this too in the lumbar vertebrae. My GP has prescribed Pregabalin for nerve pain whilst I wait for my specialist appointment! It could help if there is any compression of the nerves due to the stenosis. It’s helping me and the pain in my hip is much better and I can walk with less pain. Might be worth a try. Stretch exercises, Swimming, osteopathy, and acupuncture all help me from seizing up . Very fed up though as I’m struggling to do the gardening ?

Hi Susie I have a compressed nerve in the lumbar area due to the stenosis too.
It causes pain all the way down my leg. Sometimes it is absolute agony. It can even go up my face and behind my eye.
I’m on pregabalin too, as well as Tramodol. And sometimes morphine.
I’m waiting to have an injection in my spine to free the nerve. If that doesn’t work I think that I can have surgery.
I actually had an appointment for the injection last month, but I cancelled it because my DH was taken into hospital the day before.
It never rains, eh?