Spinal stenosis

[kipper1958]

My partner has been told he has spinal stenosis, he is to have an MRI scan in the next 2 weeks, does anyone have experience of this?

[Rosie1066]

yes, I also have spinal stenosis diagnosed last year. I had a CT scan which confirmed it. I also have a vertebrae which has slipped. All extremely painful. I now have regular every 3/4 months spinal injections for the pain which work brilliantly but, in my case, only last three months. They usually last for six to twelve months. I am due to have my next one next week. Unfortunately I am also suffering from Persistent Atrial Stenosis at the same time which doesn’t help.

[Hhow in reply to Rosie1066]

HiMy dad has similar problem s with his back. Can I ask if you don't mind what your injections are?.My dad is in a lot of pain with his back.

[kipper1958 in reply to Hhow]

Hi you will have to ask Rosie1066,as i have not had any injections,hope things improve for your dad.

[Rosie1066 in reply to Hhow]

Hi, my injections are a mixture of local anaesthetic and corticosteroids and it’s called a CT guided nerve block injection.

[Hhow in reply to Rosie1066]

Thank you this is really helpful

[kipper1958 in reply to Rosie1066]

Hi, Rosie 1066. Thank you for your reply. Are your injections an epidural? I hope you receive the help you need.

[Rosie1066 in reply to kipper1958]

a mixture of local anaesthetic and corticosteroids

[Mountwood]

After years of telling my GP that the calves of my legs ached when I climbed stairs or walked uphill he finally referred me for investigations. An MRI scan showed that I had spinal stenosis. That was 7 years ago and, after several episodes of sciatica which is now more or less chronic, a recent MRI showed how much worse the stenosis is and

I was referred to the Pain Clinic where I was told that no one would want to operate on me at my age (85) so all they can do for me is a steroid injection. The waiting list, however, is at least 3 months. I'm looking into having it done privately, and also laser treatment which wasn't mentioned by the Pain Clinic doctor. I hope you partner gets his treatment sooner.

[kipper1958 in reply to Mountwood]

Thank you for you reply,my partner has been referred for an MRI scan later this month,is the steroid injection in the form of an epidural?

[Mountwood in reply to kipper1958]

I've never had one into my spine before so I don't know exactly how it is done, but I imagine it must be similar to an epidural. Over the years I have had steroid injections into my coccyx, knee, and shoulder and they have all worked well. The MRI takes about 20 minutes and can be a bit noisy, but you just have to lie on your back and keep still. Good luck.

[Harefieldfan]

yes! It hurts. They usually recommend physiotherapy. It needs to be properly assessed. I’m usually able to ignore it. Keep walking! It’s good for the back.