Spinal Stenosis

[Davewm]

Good morning.

I wonder if anyone can give me some advice?

In 2018 I had a Laminectomy Operation to relieve pressure on my lower back, L3/4 and 5. The operation was, initially a success but after about 5/6 months the pain returned. The consultant arranged for another MRI Scan which showed that scar tissue had formed around the operation site and I was really back to square 1.

I was then diagnosed with Chronic Heart Disease and underwent a Triple Bypass and Mitral Valve Repair. (I’ve also now been diagnosed with Heart Failure)

When I next saw the back Consultant he said there was no point in further back surgery as more new scar tissue would form each time.

I’ve had ongoing flare-ups since then but this latest one is the worst I’ve experienced. My back locked and I was unable to move for several hours.

Thanks for taking the time to read this so far.

My question is:-

Does anyone recommend wearing a back brace? (I have an old one that has seemed to help).

Which one is best to support/relieve my problem.

Thank you in advance. Hoping for some useful/practical advice.

Kind regards

Dave

[Batty1]

You should ask your doctor about the back brace use … From my experience if you rely to heavily on braces this can cause weakness.

[Emma2017]

Hi I have had 4 back ops, one op involved a fusion at one level and a laminectomy at another one slightly higher up. The pain associated with the higher level kind of came back. I was offered another injection to relieve the pain/intense nerve irritation but refused. My surgeon is quite against back braces as it weakens your core. I now and again wear one but only for a day. I would not wear one for longer than 2 days but sometimes it helps just a bit. Gentle Alexander technique exercises helps me the most and walking.

[Davewm in reply to Emma2017]

Thanks Emma for your reply. Sorry to hear you’ve had so many back problems. I understand the point about braces and will take it on board.Wishing you better health in the future.

Kind regards

David

[AbuJawad]

Hi Dave, I have had 3 major surgeries including spinal fusion in the last 30 year period. Since last few years I have been diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis. And this caused major nerve damage in my legs to point where I cant walk without a walking aid. My Neurologist told me that he cannot help but my Neuro Surgeon offered another surgery to decompress the spine and open it up to let the fluids flow. But I don't like the idea of another surgery due to my age (I am 63). Here is what I do to cope with the pain and treat stenosis: 1. Take high dose of Serrapeptase 2 x 120,000 spu. This will dissolve the bone spurs and fibrosis growth in you spine. 2. Vitamin C - Sodium Ascorbate powder : 5mg mixed with water every hour for 8 hours a day. This controls the pain and heals the body of any other ailment.

Please visit Dr Andrew Saul's website : Doctoryourself.com and search for High Dose Vitamin C. He gives the entire history of treatment with high dose Vit C.

Good Luck and hope you get better soon.

[Davewm in reply to AbuJawad]

Hi Abu

Thanks for your reply. I’ll certainly investigate the details you’ve kindly given.

Kind regards

David

[vfb1]

Hi Dave

I have severe spinal stenosis and a slipped l4-l5 (I am 78, so kind of expected). I went from walking 2 miles a day, to maybe 1/4 mile now with a cane. Pain in legs, numbness, etc. I never liked the idea of fusion, or injections into my spine. But in researching, I did run across a mechanical type implant that doesn't require major surgery. I am scheduled for the procedure next month, so I can't comment yet on its effectiveness. But it might be worth a look in your situation. It is called a Vertiflex Procedure. It has been around a while and is FDA approved. Try a search on that term.

Good luck

vfb

[Davewm in reply to vfb1]

Thanks very much for your answers and advice. I’ll certainly look into it.Thanks again

David