I'm sorry you are going through this, because spinal stenosis is painful and difficult. There are treatments, but at this point they are most likely surgical. We have a page on spinal stenosis: https://www.empowher.com/condition/spinal-stenosis
I am wondering what type of specialist you've been seeing. I suggest an orthospine or neurospine surgeon. There are arguments over which is better. I've worked with both, and the better surgeon is always the one who does more of the type of surgery you need.
Pregnancy will definitely irritate this condition, as would plain weight gain. Often during pregnancy women suffer from sciatica which is also a problem with the lumbar spine. It's from the pressure in the area that comes with being pregnant.
Spinal stenosis is dangerous if your spine is unstable and left untreated. You can end up with permanent spine and nerve damage. If you wait too long to treat it, the nerves just don't recover. I'm guessing if it's been going on for three months and you've been off work that you've been through physical therapy. You can also get epidural steroid injections, which help some people. But ultimately, spinal stenosis means pressure on your spinal cord, and that is something that must be dealt with, especially at your age. Otherwise you may be looking at a lifetime of pain.
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons has a good page on spinal stenosis. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00329 as does Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spinal-stenosis/DS00515
If conservative treatments such as medication and therapy have left you unable to work, surgery may be your next option.
I wish you luck and if I can help further, please let me know.
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Hi AKnight316-
I'm sorry you are going through this, because spinal stenosis is painful and difficult. There are treatments, but at this point they are most likely surgical. We have a page on spinal stenosis: https://www.empowher.com/condition/spinal-stenosis
I am wondering what type of specialist you've been seeing. I suggest an orthospine or neurospine surgeon. There are arguments over which is better. I've worked with both, and the better surgeon is always the one who does more of the type of surgery you need.
Pregnancy will definitely irritate this condition, as would plain weight gain. Often during pregnancy women suffer from sciatica which is also a problem with the lumbar spine. It's from the pressure in the area that comes with being pregnant.
Spinal stenosis is dangerous if your spine is unstable and left untreated. You can end up with permanent spine and nerve damage. If you wait too long to treat it, the nerves just don't recover. I'm guessing if it's been going on for three months and you've been off work that you've been through physical therapy. You can also get epidural steroid injections, which help some people. But ultimately, spinal stenosis means pressure on your spinal cord, and that is something that must be dealt with, especially at your age. Otherwise you may be looking at a lifetime of pain.
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons has a good page on spinal stenosis. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00329 as does Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spinal-stenosis/DS00515
If conservative treatments such as medication and therapy have left you unable to work, surgery may be your next option.
I wish you luck and if I can help further, please let me know.
April 18, 2010 - 7:36amThis Comment
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