Spinal Stenosis and MRI Experiences

I have spinal stenosis plus osteoarthritis of the hips, knees and ankles. I’m currently having NHS physio with the aim of strengthening the supporting muscles in the hope that this will reduce the pain but I’m told it may be some months before I’ll see an improvement. I was advised to use a four wheel rollator when out and find that this helps a lot as leaning slightly forward helps ease things. The other tip my physio gave me was to make sure I don’t get constipated as this can make things worse both by direct pressure on the nerve involved and by raising the pressure in the abdomen generally.

A close relation of mine had this problem about 5 or 6 years ago. It took considerable time for her to get a proper diagnosis but, eventually, she was offered surgery to try and free the spinal cord where it was adhering to some of her vertebrae.
She was warned that there were considerable risks involved, that a cure may not be effected and the surgery could possibly leave her unable to walk.
Nevertheless, she went ahead and had the op which has been successful in that she is no longer in constant excruciating pain and can walk normally, drive, swim and do most everyday things. The recovery/convalescence period was lengthy and quite complicated and she is still forbidden to lift and carry anything remotely heavy, do gymnastics or anything which might strain the lower back such as bungee jumping, zip wires etc.
However, despite the risk of the problem recurring and the relatively minor limitations to her lifestyle, my relative is pleased she had the surgery.
Medical knowledge and procedures advance rapidly so this experience may be well out of date now but, Bea65, I wish you well.

Hi, yes I had spinal stenosis and the pain was considerable. I also have hip osteoarthritis. I had the spinal op in 2017 privately and it was 100% successful. Within 6 weeks I was interior house painting and all was well.
I still have worsening hip arthritis though, so although one level of pain was eased the other is another to deal with!

I have spinal stenosis diagnosed approx 10-12 years ago I am 70. Pain varies from severe to mild according to whether a left hand disc is also pressing on my spine . I also have some numbness underneath my toes from it and varying episodes of pins and needles pain every day.

I have a high pain threshold and would not take painkillers unless it was very bad, GP wanted me to take Pregabalin but this has many side effects and is highly addictive so I refused. I currently take paracetamol every day and it is manageable. I am awaiting an appt with spinal orthopaedics at the moment. I can walk a reasonable way as long as there is the opportunity to find a seat for a rest. I find it very hard to stand for more than 10 minutes without being in pain and the pins and needles.

I would not have an operation other than as an absolute last resort I have a phobia of having an anaesthetic . Not sure if any of that helps I think I’m a bit more pessimistic than some other posters

I was diagnosed with progressive spinal stenosis last year after during the previous year my sciatic nerve was trapped rendering my left leg paralysed. the pain was excruciating. I looked this up on NHS website at the time and learnt that unless bowel and genito-urinary tract were non functioning then it wasn't necessarily an emergency. An urgent physio appointment confirmed this and I had extensive physiotherapy which got be walking again. My sciatic nerve finishes now at knee level instead of shin which means the leg collapses now and again and extreme muscle cramps are common. Pain is reasonable well controlled with Pregablin and Co-Codamol and lots of walking but I need a stick and 5 miles or a round of golf is all I can do. I still have physio regularly not NHS but I am lucky enough to have some insurance. The spinal surgeon said he would not offer me surgery unless there was a recurrence and bowel and bladder were involved. I just hope it doesn't happen again- never been so scared in my life. I hope fellow sufferers are receiving good pain control and any therapies needed.

I recently found out that I have osteoporosis, crumbling vertebrae and a curved spine. At last an explanation for the pain! I'm having a full bone scan next month to ascertain how severe it is.

Having MRI later to determine how curved my tailbone is and which nerves maybe pressing down causing horrific pain..don't know how to manage lying on my back for 60-90 mins as have been told this would be a longer MRI..I can't lie on my back for maybe more than 10 minutes without having to go on my left side...am extremely anxious so not sure how this MRI will go..how have others coped? I know you get headphones but i can still hear the clanking of the scanner throughout ..

I have been on Pregablin 400 mg a day, since last December. I have no side affects and it has no difference to the awful pain I have been in for over 2 years

I was on pregablin but now have naproxen and co-codomol daily but they don't cut thru the pain...

Thank you Lou@Gransnet 🤞

Hi Bea65, I hope your MRI went well and wasn’t too painful for you. The operators are usually very patient and understanding. Im hoping your MRI was done in a new machine-like a doughnut rather than the old ones like being in a tin can! I have another in the near future so fingers crossed it’s the doughnut! Ive had the same problem on my left side for about 12 years- declined operation at the the time then told its not a good idea for me now. Unfortunately also had problems with discs on right side too. All wearing out! Good luck.

A friend was diagnosed with a spinal stenosis and told the NHS waiting list for the op was 2 years. He paid for a private op which was done successfully after a month or so. He didn't want to spend 2 years with limited mobility.

Waiting patiently….

Got thru it and didn’t have to press the alarm button… felt warm and tingly this time.. but foot had cramp towards end and told not to move… anyone else experienced foot/leg cramps? Have to wait until 13th June for results 🤞

I too suffer with spinal stenosis and was offered an op last year. After listening to all the risks involved, the recovery period and no guarantee it would cure the back pain I declined. Had one hip replaced in 2022 now waiting gto see a consultant regarding the other one as I have same symptoms. I can't stand for long and use a stick indoors and a rollator outside and for shopping. It makes me so miserable being in constant pain so sympathise with all the other people who have posted on here.

Well done. I found the MR I not to bad in a brand new scannet. Yes I have foot and leg ctamps. Upper thigh cramps are excruciating and leave me with pain and a limp for several days. Hoping to have a foot operation in the near future to remove metalwork.

Thank you GNs for your responses..having an x-ray led steroid injection on Monday in the right hip...have been advised not to drive home...has anyone recently had this type of procedure and did it make any difference? Have had both shoulder and knee steroid injections which were horrendous..super long needle and so much pressure applied to them going in - am hoping that an x-ray led one will be not so aggressive..thoughts or experiences good/bad welcome 🙏

You are all brilliant. Why don't the medics impart this info? I have the same stenosis diagnosis and am crippled with pain. I have not been into a supermarket for over a year, as I cannot walk around it. Neither have I been able to drive. MSK physio useless. Printed off a list of exercises without reading the diagnosis Unable to do them. I can stand for about five minutes, then my body gives up and I start sinking to the ground. Numb legs, numb feet. GP disinterested. Anyway, they can no longer refer direct to an orthopaedic surgeon. Disallowed. So, I have had to scrape together the dosh to pay for a private consultation, plus an Xray, plus an MRI scan. If any surgery is involved, I will not be able to afford it, so will have a 2 year wait for the NHS. By which time I shall probably be crippled and in a wheelchair. That is a fun prospect.

Yes, and the endless cramps are horrendous. I thought that they were down to statins.

I never knew until quite recently that back issues affect bowels and bladder. Can anyone elaborate on this please? Doctors seem reluctant to discuss this.

Help!!

Dalrymple23 I had surgery for a ‘slipped disc’ over 20 yrs ago, because although the pain was excruciating ( and I had physio for 3 months) it was when my bladder stopped working that it became an emergency op.
It literally stopped (no pain, just numbness) and I didn’t wee for over 24 hours, so a quick MRI to confirm the problem and a very welcome shot of morphine and I was operated on.

I was warned that I might never walk again, but at that stage there was no choice.

After the op the leg cramps were horrendous and I took so many pills I couldn’t really function, it took 2 years to get the feeling back in my right leg, but all is now fine, I still don’t lift anything heavy and if I do too much walking I still get the feeling of walking on marbles in my right foot.