Spinal stenosis

[cab1948]

My husband just got diagnosed with spinal stenosis. The Dr. is sending him to physical and aquatic therapy. He also is putting him on celebrex. Could someone who has this condition tell me what they are doing ?

[Portia]

my nurological doctor up north thought at first that I had MS because I lost the feelings in my legs and arms, turned out to be spinal stenosis , ordered me to do nothing, no pushing no pulling no lifting for 3 months , thank god all the feeling returned, it does flare up once in a while.. then I just lay low.. all I take is naproxen.. good luck!!

[zonerboy]

The word "stenosis" in layman's terms, simply means "narrowing".
For example, if you have coronary artery stenosis, that means an artery supplying blood (and oxygen) to your heart muscle has become narrowed, most commonly because of cholesterol deposits, and thus you are in danger of having a heart attack. A heart attack is basically injury to the heart muscle caused by that muscle getting an insufficient supply of oxygen.
Regarding spinal stenosis, the spinal cord and the nerves that come in and out of it are completely surrounded by the bones that make up your vertebral column. Openings in these bones allow passageways for the cord and the spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis means that some of these openings have become narrowed and thus some of the nerves are being "pinched". There are many causes for this including slipped (or herniated) discs, arthritic changes to the bones, inflammation of some sort, improper alignment of the vertebrae due to injury, etc., etc. Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory medication. Inflammation causes swelling, and swelling can narrow those openings and pinch nerves. Sometimes muscle tension can cause the spine to be held in improper alignment and this also can pinch nerves. Physical therapy and aqua therapy are aimed at this.
Basically start with simple treatments (medication and physical therapy) first, and if this doesn't result in improvement, then advance to more testing and/or more complex therapies.

[MLBellis]

I was diagnosed when I was a teen. My Dad was recently diagnosed. It is hereditary. They told my Dad if it gets bad that can operate & opened up the vertebrae put a dowel to give the spine more room. They told me years ago that I would have to live with it & would end up in a wheelchair. I recently learned the reason I have a tendency to drop things & trip and sometimes fall is due to my spinal stenosis. I say trust in the Doctor you have faith in… I have found out through the years each Doctor will tell you something different.

[ndominesey]

they are helping him put off surgery....once they mess with your back there is no turning back...literally. I know I ended up with a fusion. do what the dr. tells you.

[emc101]

Be VERY CAREFUL if surgery is suggested get 2nd opinion. My brother-in-law had this and had back surgery which did not work and made things worse. He was in constant pain could not get comfortable sitting or standing. Was on all kinds of painkillers until he died 7 years ago. Dr. told my husband he has it to. after seeing what happened to his brother has made me promise that I will not let him have sugery unless he cannot walk.

[emc101]

Be VERY CAREFUL if surgery is suggested get 2nd opinion. My brother-in-law had this and had back surgery which did not work and made things worse. He was in constant pain could not get comfortable sitting or standing. Was on all kinds of painkillers until he died 7 years ago. Dr. told my husband he has it to. after seeing what happened to his brother has made me promise that I will not let him have sugery unless he cannot walk.

[cab1948]

Thank you for all your replies. The doctor has not suggested surgery. He said that would be a last resort. My husband is taking the celebrex, which seems to be helping and is starting physical therapy and aquatic therapy tomorrow.

[NotGolfer]

For years I had terrible lower back issues. I tried P.T. but it made things worse. So I did chiropractic which seemed to help. A handful of years ago (shortly after moving here) I heard about Dr. Daniel Spurrier, a neurosurgeon. He does surgery but only as a last resort!!! I did have a ruptured disc so he did his non-evasive surgery. I'm only telling you this "IF" you feel you need another opinion. He will recommend P.T., exercises etc. before surgery is warranted. He's an excellent doctor and has very good credentials.

I too have spinal stenosis so I pay attention to it. I do aquatic exercises which seems to be a good benefit. It's easy on the body BUT is very good resistance exercise!!