Spinal Stenosis Online Support Group

I am still dealing with this new diagnosis. I just turned 50 and have been very active, all my life. Over the winter months, I was involved in an intense work-out routine, some days consisting of over two hours of exercise. I started to notice tingly sensations in my legs, feet, pelvic floor while running on the treadmill. I have always had a tight lower back but always contributed it to lack of stretching. I finally mentioned this to my primary and she referred me to a PT/Chiropractor who recommended a MRI of my lombar area. The MRI showed severe spinal stenosis in all of my lombar vertrae. I went to a neurosurgeon who confirmed that I have a congenital form with some arthritis starting up and will definitely need surgery. I just had a cervical MRI yesterday so waiting on that result but I am assuming it will be bad as well. I have no pain, which from what I am reading, is not the norm. I am just looking for support as this is all very overwhelming right now. I don't know what I should continue to do for a work-out...guess I have to give up high impact stuff and weight lifting. What is good for a work-out or should I see someone to direct me on what exercises I should and should not do?

Thanks for you time!

The reason you have no pain is cause you work out continue to do so. Dont stop now maybe take on a ligher loads and less intense but dont quit. Its mind over matter as well. I have a few herniated disc in spots that dont even bother me. And good luck on the cervicle it dont always mean you will have stenosis in both the lumbar and the cervicle area. Good luck with the results.

Hello Clark

Surgery should not be considered until you are in serious pain, and out of control to the point that you are peeing without control.

Going to t surgeon means that they will recommend surgery – that is what they do. What did you expect them to do - recommend you exercise? No. Never.

You need to try a lot of alternative approaches- Acupuncture, Chiropractic, osteopathic manipulative methods, physical therapy, taking pain meds, etc.

Oh – you never even sadi you have pain. Guees you do not even need pain meds.

You can also do a lot with conventional medicines - muscle relaxers, anti-inflamatory meds, nerve pain meds, vitamins, etc

The MRI of the cervical spine will show problems – they could be stenosis or herniated discs or arthritis. They will find something. And then – no matter what they find, the surgeon will recommend surgery. It is not called for. You obviously are new at this spinal thing. That means you have lots of years to play with it before surgery of any sort should ever be even considered.

Hi Clark

Here are a few links (within mdJunction) to help you.

There are lots of things you can do to fight the stenosis and arthritis and the stenosis:

little things:

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/spinal-stenosis- discussions/general-support/3636756-little-helps-that-add- up-to-be-a-big-help#3636756

Medicines:

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/spinal-stenosis- discussions/general-support/3638244-medicines-that-combine- to-form-a-helping-net#3639422

stretches:

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/spinal-stenosis- discussions/general-support/3638164-stretches-to- help#3638164

hugs