You are so welcome!

It's now the end of August 2023. How are you feeling after your surgery?

I got a walker about a year ago and felt wonderful. However if I went shopping still every ten minutes I had to stop because of the pain. I had minor back pain for years and then it got series. I was not fat or fit because I was physically active. Now .I can't move so I've got over weight. I have many explosive things to say to a woman like that after trying everything for 7 years to be diagnosed. MRI finally told the story.

Praise the lord, I've had surgery in 2017 emergency cervical decompression and fused c3 throughc7 had lumbar surgery this year l3 through L5, because of my Spinal stenosis and Spinal cord damage so I feel for you all and pray 🙏 the good lord will heal us all

Thanks so much for listening! I hope your surgery goes well. Please let me know!

How did your surgery go?

​@@markoverline1983😊😊😊😊😊😊

@MrHerks HI, I couldn't walk when I had emergency surgery decompression 6years later I can walk short distance stand for a while but I always feel fatigue so I do what I can, go to YMCA and swim, lift some weights and take yoga classes to stretch and work on balance, life could be better, but it could also be worse, so I 🙏 pray to my Heavenly Father for Healing for all of us going thru this trial in life, peace be with you, Mark O

Wow, thank you!

you beat me to the comment. i will be going in to see a surgeon next month for this problem.

Hi, RB. Thank you for the comment! It sounds like you have low back pain with severe stenosis in the setting of lumbar scoliosis. What a great coincidence! I just talked to a guy who had this same combination of issues. I'm posting my interview with him today on Best Practice Call in. This show is listed under the podcast section of the Best Practice channel. Check it and please let me know what you think. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ha97oape19aUcZ8.html

@@BestPracticeHealth no

I totally understand, I'm same.

@@DeirdreOCarroll-hn4dl I feel for you as the pain is unbearable and you get told to lose weight and get moving when you can’t . That’s been my experience. ❤️

I agree. It's nice to hear the real facts for a change.

Thanks so much for the comment and the nice words! I totally agree with core strengthening for anyone with spinal stenosis as stronger muscles reduce back wear and tear and may slow degeneration. But unfortunately, core strengthening is not a substitute for decompression. I am concerned about you because a recent study showed a much higher (50%) rate of death for people who decide to live with severe spinal stenosis. If the MRI report says severe, then I recommend you have it addressed with a surgeon. These days you can often find a minimally invasive surgeon who will do a laminectomy above a fusion without the need for an additional fusion.

You are so welcome. But what happens next? If you’re down to walking less than 10 minutes, it sounds like it’s severe enough to require laminectomy surgery. Have you seen a doctor? Don’t forget to find a neurosurgeon or orthopedic Spine Surgeon who meets the best practice criteria.

Glad it was helpful!

You are so welcome! The best treatment for stenosis adjacent to an old fusion is controversial. Your doctor is recommending the traditional treatment of revising the fusion and extending it. Another approach is to do a minimally invasive laminectomy above and see how you do. If you have back pain then it could be treated with RFA.

Sounds so unfair. I recorded a video response for you. Please watch. Here on my site: bestpracticehealth.tv/ Or here on youtube.

I hope things are going well for you

@@tarataylor6489 Thanks! They aren’t but I’m still breathing lol

So is your note! Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. You seem very kind.

No kiddin'

You are so welcome. Thanks for the comment!

Prayers for you and all of us, I pray our heavenly father will heal all of us, I'm ready for the Rapture so I can go home with Jesus

Dawn, I'm so sorry to learn of all the problem. But your light is still bright and shining through the rain! Keep up the good fight! You've got this. I hope you have a good medical team backing you up.

Reading your story, you have been very courageous dealing with all the health issues you have suffered, and you should be proud of yourself. Your friend has no understanding of what you have been through,and is lacking empathy. Best wishes from Britain.

Really sad to hear your story. Sending you prayers and the power of the universe to heal and help you.

Sir I have also stenosis. I am suffering from formillnal stenosis. Can it be cured with exercise??​@@BestPracticeHealth

You're welcome.

I appreciate that!

Oh, so sorry. But your experience was predictable. You would never know it by looking at the internet, but exercise cannot reverse spinal stenosis. It may (and often does!) suppress the symptoms, which is fantastic. But exercise cannot make a small hole larger. Only laminectomy surgery can do that.

Exactly. I was in shape and worked out for decades. Spinal Stenosis put a halt to everything!! That PT in the email needs a huge dose of compassion and a walk in our shoes!!

@@Webbgurl2000 Quite right. I hope your situation has improved.

Can I ask what surgery you had and what results you are experiencing now? Thank you for your time.

@@krhunt1014 I had a decompression at L4/5. The surgeon removed some ligament and what he described as a bony ridge .That was eleven months ago, and today I still have some numbness and altered sensation in my left foot as a result of the nerves being impinged by the stenosis. I have been told that this may or (most likely) not get better, but fortunately it is no more than a mild inconvenience. All of the other symptoms I had been experiencing (leg pain and weakness primarily) seem to have been resolved, thankfully. I do get some occasional back pain, mostly if do something dumb like bending and twisting at the same time, but this is nothing like as severe as it was before the surgery.

You're very welcome!

It sounds like you have severe spinal stenosis and are becoming non-ambulatory. That is typically a surgical problem. Have you seen a surgeon?

Thank you dr. I am currently in a back rehabilitation program where I see a biokineticist and physio therapist(advised by my medical insurance). I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis?- L4 slipped over L5 with resulting narrowing of spinal canal, also a few osteophites. I do not know if the slippage can be corrected with excercises, so far I feel no difference after 7 sessions of back rehabilitation. I am scared of open back surgery and especially fusion as I am still active and would like to remain so for the next 10 or15? years. I am currently 70. I suffer from constant sciatica pain.

Back pain that radiates to the butt and outer thigh is typically coming from an inflamed facet. This is common after fusion surgery due to stress on the adjacent levels of the spine. A good pain management doctor with a lot of experience in radiofrequency ablation is the best provider for this problem most of the time. kzfaq.info/sun/PLsYo8ENYsvpxK1Qd64vbWI81Ab4phZs6Q

Yikes! Make sure you get the care you deserve.

Glad to hear you do not have stenosis... a new study shows a higher death rate without surgery! The knife in the back pain is typical of discogenic pain. You may want to watch my plalylist on that. Chiari is uncommon... does the mri have a syrinx? Do you have headaches?

@@BestPracticeHealth Yes headaches, and impulse headache when looking left and right ie when driving No syrinx though at last appointment I didn't get told a lot., dizziness and tingling that comes over top of head and a lot of other symptoms like jaw pain , blocked ear feeling ,difficulty swallowing pain and tingling all the way down to fingers. They also thought I might have Cervical Instability, I was to have a CT scan with movement and ended up with basic static extension then static flexion even though they said it had to be with movement for the diagnosis for CI. I am hoping when I go back to clinic for lower back they will do something to help as leg pain been really bad for years. I hoping to get Chiari surgery and Cervical Stenosis surgery soon. I will look at your other videos, thank you.

Awesome! I am looking forward to meeting you!

You are welcome. I'm so glad you are going to get the stenosis addressed. Let me know how the visit goes!

i’m sorry to hear your spinal stenosis is preventing you from being the parent you wish. That must feel so frustrating. There are lots of good doctors who can do laminectomy surgery when necessary. Look for one who meets the best practice certification for spine surgery. That someone who is board-certified in orthopedics or neurosurgery, if their orthopedist that they have completed a fellowship, and they do a lot of laminectomy surgery through a tube or using a minimally invasive approach.

Wow. I'm sorry you are going through all this. Have you seen a spine surgeon? Severe stenosis is dangerous.

@@BestPracticeHealth No I haven't. I have a visit with my primary care doctor at the end of the month. I'll be getting her to refer me to a specialist. I'm only 35 years of age......didn't think I'd be dealing with this much health issues.

I am so glad you are seeing a surgeon and getting good care. Surgical decompression (laminectomy) is the only effective treatment for severe spinal stenosis. Period. The longer you wait the more risk you take. A recent study showed a higher rate of DEATH for people who don't get surgery. Any surgery is scary, but it sure sounds like you need it!

@@BestPracticeHealth Thank you so much for your help. I will talk with my Neurosurgeon about Laminectomy. As l have severe left C6/7 foraminal stenosis irritating the left nerve root and moderate left C4/5 and bilateral C5/6 levels. This was in Sep 2022. Surgeon is sending me for another MRI of the whole spine as something is happening in my lower spine also. Scared. :(

@@BestPracticeHealth Good afternoon from the UK. I'd be very interested to view the study you mention about a higher death rate if severe spinal stenosis is not treated by surgery. Are you able to provide a link please? Thank you.

If it put pressure on the spinalcord you need surgery

@@markoverline1983 Yes lovely l know. I'm so scared. :(

Sounds serious. Again, I think we should review the MRI on the show. How does that sound?

The MRI changes listed do not explain the foot pain. Pain with sitting is usually due to an annular disc tear. But the MRI report does not mention that either. Have you seen a doctor? Someone needs to figure out what is causing these symptoms so that you can get proper care. You can come on the show and we can go over your issues, or submit a question by video to me with a pic of the MRI here: bestpracticehealth.tv/

@@BestPracticeHealth Hi Doctor Daniel, thanks for your reply. To keep my previous comment short, I did not mention that in a MRI and CT scan three years prior, that a annular tear was detected in disc L4/5. From what I have learnt since then, is that it is possible nerves have grown into the annular tear. I have viewed many of your videos and I have come to the conclusion that I should have laminectomy or spinal fusion. I do not have facet joint arthritis/spinal stenosis symptoms so much, mainly the painful electric burns down through my shins and into my second and third toe. Also, a cold water sensation down the front of my left leg when I walk. I am seeing another neurosurgeon soon and I will be asking a number of questions that you have suggested. They will be surprised about how much I know because of your informative videos. For that, I am very grateful.

I’m concerned about those severe bilateral effusions at L3/4. That often occurs when someone has degenerative instability. Ask your doctor about standing flexion and extension x-rays of the lumbar spine. Hopefully you’re not unstable, but if you are fusion is your only real treatment.

Totally! That is good news.

Hi can you PLEASE tell me what have you done for it not to progress and stay the same?

Good luck with surgery! I hope you found the right doctor, and we can both expect everything to go well. Please let me know how it turns out.

Hang in there! Keep walking but do get an MRI to assess the severity of the stenosis if possible.

First, thank you for your service in law enforcement-a career that is undoubtedly tough on the spine. Also, I appreciate you watching the videos. I understand you are awaiting ACDF surgery. I hope your surgery is scheduled soon. Performing ACDF was one of my favorite procedures because of its significant benefits and the typically smooth recovery. I wish you a successful surgery and a swift recovery. Please accept my hope, best wishes, and gratitude.

Thank you for your comment. I’m sorry for the late response. Spinal stenosis can present as back pain more than leg pain. Claudication is traditionally pain down the leg, but everyone is different, and sometimes that’s just not the way it works. Balon bladder incontinence requires really severe stenosis. The MRI report that you shared really wouldn’t normally be sufficiently severe so has to cause ball and bladder dysfunction. That means you have incontinence of unknown ideology. This really needs to be worked out quickly. Have you seen a doctor? It’s essential that you get evaluated by, a trained medical professional and get the care you deserve.

Oh, man. I'm so sorry you are suffering like this. And that fusions have not helped as much as expected. If you want to review your issues and MRI together call 602 256 2525 and come on the show. I will look forward to meeting you.

I'm so sorry you are going through this! Hang in there. Did you have an MRI? It would really help to know what you are dealing with.

@@BestPracticeHealth I did. This is the result of my most current which is a week old. at c5-c6 there is a broad disc bulge with mild bilateral degenerative changes of the uncovertebral joints more prominent in the left side. this produces moderate segmental spinal canal stenosis with moderate left foraminal stenosis without significant right foraminal stenosis. at c6-c7 there is a broad disc bulge with small overlying osteophyte eccentric towards the left side producing moderate segmental spinal canal stenosis without foraminal stenosis. at c7-t1, t1-t2 and t2-t3 there is no disc herniation, spinal canal or foraminal stenosis. I also have a herniated disc in my thoracic. This is 4 years old and I haven't had an updated since. I can no longer wear a bra due to pain from thoracic and cervical pain. FINDINGS: Thoracic segments maintain appropriate alignment. No fractures. No destructive lesions. Benign vertebral body hemangiomas are noted at T5, T6 and T2. There is mild multilevel degenerative disc desiccation and loss of disc space height. Broad-based disc protrusion left paracentral position T6-7 measuring 2.3 mm in AP dimension. This impinges upon the thecal sac and flattens the left anterolateral aspect of the cord but does not produce a significant degree of canal stenosis. There is no cord edema. No other protrusions or extrusions. There is mild facet arthropathy. No abnormal signal in an intradural position. Cord maintains normal signal at all levels. Postcontrast imaging demonstrates no abnormal intradural, dural, epidural or osseous enhancement. IMPRESSION: Slight interval decrease in size of the disc protrusion at T6-7. This flattens the left anterolateral aspect of the cord. Cord maintains normal signal at all levels. No other protrusions or extrusions. No significant canal or foraminal stenoses. Multilevel degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy as discussed above. I've asked for a myelogram so that they can track the nerves to see if the MRI isn't catching an impingement and have been refused. They make me feel like they think I'm mental and refusing to get around and just urinating and defecating myself. I also can't get pain medication for it, either. I'm so thankful for seeing this video to know that my symptoms are real. Thank you so much. impression: stable mri of the cervical spine with degenerative disc disease, facet arthropathy and degenerative changes of the uncovertebral joints at c5-c6 and c6-c7.

You're welcome 😊

Several studies have shown that the outcomes of laminectomy alone are just as good as laminectomy with fusion for grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Given the severity of your L3/4 stenosis, I would recommend opting for a minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy performed by an excellent spine surgeon rather than the MILD procedure.

Thank you for your input. Yes, the MIlD procedure is concerning in that it is performed by pain Mngt as it seems it’s in a neurosurgeon’s territory.

Sounds like a good idea! Please let me know how it goes.

I'm really sorry to hear that. Would you be willing to come on the show? I'd love to hear his story.

No. There are good treatments for back pain, but they must be matched to the cause of the pain. Check out our playlist to be sure you know what is causing your pain. kzfaq.info/sun/PLsYo8ENYsvpwuYzaOvGl_yCxIWhtcX5mI

Great question. Microdiscectomy surgery for disc herniation is advised when you have unbearable pain or a neurological deficit. Since your body typically "digests" the herniated disc, laminectomy surgery for stenosis caused only by disc herniation is not typically needed.

@@BestPracticeHealth Thank you very much, for your valuable response, Doc.

Same situation here 😭

You have got to find a new doctor. Everyone deserves help when they are sick or in pain. Sounds like you are not getting the help you deserve. It is really easy to fall into depression with chronic pain. RESIST! Use this channel to figure out what is wrong and FIND THE RIGHT DOCTOR to get better.

I feel ya, I'm 35, and the same situation, non stop pain, need surgery, insurance sucks, can't afford it. Blood pressure is nuts cause of pain. I'm a farmer, no one cares. Feels like grabbing a electric fence all day while working/walking.

Great points. My grandfather was a family doctor and he took care of people from birth to death. Prevention made a lot of sense back then. But one thing to consider today is that medicine has become so large and complicated that not everyone does the same thing. Chiropractors and physical therapists do the preventive medicine for the low back. Medical doctors and surgeons usually don't come in until those things have failed. It's just become so complex we need specialists to get the best care to the most people.

First of all, if you don't have a pinched nerve that requires surgery then you should probably not be on gabapentin. In addition, if your surgeon does not see a role for surgery, then why would you want it? It sounds like you need strengthening and rehabilitation.

You would be amazed how many times I’ve heard this story. Often times activity keeps us healthy, as we say, motion is lotion. And someone becomes inactive often due to a heart condition and suddenly the back is a huge problem. Although it’s happening right after a heart condition, and surgery is almost certainly not an option as it requires you to be off blood thinners, it’s a good time to find out what’s wrong and what you need to do about it. The best way to do that is to pick the right doctor, have appropriate imaging, and then follow up and match the imaging to your symptoms. Once you know what’s causing your symptoms, then you can use this channel to figure out the appropriate treatment for when you’re ready. Good luck with your heart condition. Stay safe.

Believe it or not, I was actually treated for high thyroid as a child. That was when I first got fat! I don’t think my problem is my thyroid now. I think it’s more over eating.

That's why we need to cherish every moment of our lives while we are here. There is always going to be plenty of time to not exist. Let's make the most of this beautiful place we get to share with such amazing people while we are alive. There has never been a better time or place to live. Enjoy. Yes?

​@@BestPracticeHealthur a real dream er

Wow. What a strange way to find out you have severe stenosis! Hang in there. You're headed for surgery. Don't get nerve damage first, it may not be reversible.

It appears I have a TLIF ahead. So, like it or not, I'm going to have to have all sorts of hardware installed. Not sure which is worse - the persistant pain, or the fear of the surgery.

The only effective treatment for severe stenosis is surgery. A recent study showed a higher death rate for people who avoid surgery. Have you seen a surgeon?

Glad it was helpful! Have you been told you have spinal stenosis?

Burning pain on the outside of the thigh when standing is typical of a facet problem. Watch my video on facet mediated low back pain and see if that makes sense.

The first step in overcoming back pain is to educate yourself about the cause to prepare yourself to work with a doctor to get better. In your case, I can't really suggest where to start without looking at your imaging. I'd recommend my playlists on low back pain and herniated discs with sciatica. I know this is not very specific! Please contact me and upload the images and I can give you a better answer.

How are you now

@@sultankhan3085 im getting surgery soon bro

Nice to meet you! The normal spinal canal is around 30 mm, so the fact that you have 7.5 mm at L5/S1 is pretty scary! As stenosis gets worse one goes from pain in the legs with walking to pain with just standing. This is worrisome. What is your life like? Are you healthy? I don't even know how old you are. But you need surgery, not exercise. Watch my video on lumbar laminectomy here: bestpracticehealth.tv/spine/#SpineLumbarLaminectomy

lumbar laminectomy procedure is safe? I am scare too . I am Asian 44 years old . Already have L4-L5 it narrowed press down the nerve . My surgeon send me to try pain management shot . I just get the shot done 2 days ago and rest . The pain management doctor she told me your surgeon, should do the surgery for you ? As I have terrible sciatica, limp , limited mobility . And have arm /hands numb and /tingling/migraines started terrible. My surgeon also send me to get the shot now too. My MRI came back with C5-C6 nerve pinched down . I can not walk /sleep /stand or walk . I walk around with my walker . I can not able to drive more than 20 minutes to the store . My sciatica leg left shooting pain , and when I drive my right leg is start to numb/tingling/shooting down pain . My surgeon doctor will try pain management shot first before the lasted decision is surgery. What do you suggest about my symptom . I am now can not able to work . I use to be nails technician/seat all day and use my hands/finger to work and now I can not lift anything more than a gallons water ? Or a cabbage head on my left hands. Both Hands and both legs weaks

Judge not lest you be judged. And yes, you can get fixed at your weight. You definitely need the right surgeon. Come on the show to discuss..we need to talk. phoenixspineandjoint.com/resources/best-practice/.

. That’s hard to understand. Every insurance company is required to publish their criteria for surgery. Look up the guidelines for laminectomy for your carrier. There may be some information that Carrie requires that was not included by your doctor in your packet.

I hope you get help soon. Hang in there.

If you have obesity that is affecting your health and you have failed a medically supervised diet then consider bariatric surgery. The results from a gastric sleeve are excellent, and the safety profile pretty good.

I certainly hope so, too. Hang in there. Let me know how it turns out.

Totally! Like everyone else, health care providers are strongly influenced by their own experiences. There are some cases of congenital spinal stenosis that actually require laminectomy surgery at a young age.

Ninety-four percent of people with non-specific low back pain (which includes those with sciatica) get better in 12 weeks. I wish it were faster. But it takes a long time. Given that reality, most people with MRI showing a herniated disc and sciatica will have a series of 3 epidural injections 2 weeks apart from a pain management specialist. I'd love to hear more about what's going on with you. Contact me by filling out the form here: phoenixspineandjoint.com/resources/best-practice/

The waiter evaluate the effectiveness of surgery is to look at groups of people who had the same condition you do, underwent surgery, and their complications and outcomes. There is no surgery that is 50% effective, cause quite frankly, that would not be good enough to Justify the risk of undergoing the procedure. What exactly is wrong? Is it stenosis and you need a laminectomy? Is it a herniated disc and you failed epidural and want to consider microdiscectomy? It’s really worth your time to get specific, understand the problem, and the proposed solution, and then ask your doctor for the information that shows the effectiveness rate.

Laminectomy is the only correct treatment for severe spinal stenosis. Find a good spine surgeon near you and talk to them.

Never stop walking. Motion is lotion, and the more active you can stay, the better and healthier you will be. Having said that, the MRI report you shared is typical of people who need L3/4 laminectomy. That can be done these days through a tubular retractor in 45 min. The risk of pretty low, and it will likely change your life. Have you seen a surgeon? Stenosis will only get worse.

@@BestPracticeHealth thank you for the reply. Yes I see a surgeon here in Perth. He’s referred me to a pain management specialist who has completed a rhizotomy n facet joint injections. He doesn’t want to do the laminectomy has recommended this b a last resort. Maybe the surgery is more refined in the US as he’s said it wd b huge n require screws. Thank you Heather.

Please guide me what excercise you will......I diagnosed with mild canal stenosis l4l5

you are so awesome! Thank you for the comment. Motion is lotion. Not just for joints, but for spinal stenosis. The longer you can stay active, the longer you can enjoy no symptoms, and hopefully remain strong and slow, the progression of the underlying problem. Just be aware that it is a progressive problem. At some point you’re likely to require treatment as you get older. Get an MRI at the first symptoms of any nerve problems or spinal cord dysfunction. You might even consider getting an MRI just for radiographic surveillance at some point to see what’s going on in there. I wish you the best.