SPINAL STENOSIS

[Reethebeat]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has been on long term steroids like me, and is now suffering from spinal stenosis. Started 3 years ago with numbness in one leg when walking. Now considerably worse, where walking is limited and pain and numbness only stops on sitting down. Wondered if 5 years of prednisolene leaches the bones of the spine. Comments would be welcome.

[Jeanjean16]

I have been on steroids for almost four years and have recently been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Also I have developed an infection in the hip replacement I had three years ago. My consultant said the infection is due to steroids.......

[powerwalk]

That's rotten. Did they say why Pred would cause this? Looking it up there it says osteoarthritis is usually the cause. I have very bad pins and needles in my right hand and a bit in my left hand which GP said is caused by the Pred because fluid builds up. Yours sounds a horrible side effect.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There have been a few people on the forum with spinal stenosis over the years but not sure there are many at present. I don't think it is due to low bone density due to taking pred - it is more likely osteoarthritis although there are other causes.

You might find this helpful and interesting:

rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Pat...

Have you had investigations done or is this just the GP saying something?

[Reethebeat in reply to PMRpro]

thanks for your replies. This was diagnosed about 3 years ago, but I could deal with it. Now got far worse, doctor has referred me to MATT clinic, (muscular etc) been chasing them and they say they are only just dealing with January referrals. They are overwhelmed with patients. Went to a private physio who examined me and said physio would be a waste of time an d money for me She advised chasing the doctor. Made another appointment with him in 3 weeks time. The NHS I am afraid is grinding to a halt. Like everyone on this site, I used to be so active (dog walking etc.) Pilates, yoga, swimming. I do now go swimming 3 times a week, just for a bit of exercise, and have one elderly dog. Oh well, painkillers here I come

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reethebeat]

Like they tell us here - apply now before it takes longer!!

If is spinal stenosis - why are you being referred to MATT? Especially if a private physio says they can do nothing. Or is this just a pass-it-on to lengthen waiting times ...

You might find this interesting/helpful:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

[Reethebeat in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much everybody for your replies. I have printed the information given out. I realise appreciate it. Take care all of you. I will keep you updated on any progress.

[moskin]

Hello

I have been told recently that I have spinal stenosis but waiting for MRI scan ,prednisilone for 5 yrs,now on 7 mgm .

Saw Gp today and asked him the question,he said no prednisilone would not cause spinal stenosis,added to PM R and Fibromyalgia it’s just another pain to contend with !

[Lafontainepam1]

I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis almost 2 years ago. My MRI shows bulging disks, along with several other issues. I would need a 3 tiered surgery, which isn’t recommended since you would end up with pain anyway. Stenosis gets worse as the spinal cancel narrows. I’m pain free sitting, but standing for any length and walking very far is almost impossible now. I use the wheelchair service when I fly. A cane also helps. I go to therapy every week and she works on my back, and also tapes me for support to help me keep my body upright. The grocery cart is also a great help.

I feel this is not because of Prednisone, I have been on them for 8 years, started at 15 mg, now 7. I had a bulging disk 20 years ago, downhill since then. 69 years old. I hope this helps a little. It’s definitely a life change from being active.

[HeronNS]

The stenosis itself may not be treatable by a physiotherapist but they certainly can give you exercises which will maintain and improve your muscular strength and that will help alleviate pain. Anything which reduces stress on the affected area is likely to help, and strong supporting muscles are a key here. Not hard to find this article and I'm sure there are others:

myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/...

[Purplecrow]

Hi Ree, i was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2012. Surgery helped the pain and mobility issues. Currently have another stenosis issue, and headed to mri this week for further diagnosis. Most likely another surgery.

Looking forward to relief from pain, numbness in leg and foot, and incontinence that happens when pain becomes intense.

Surgery was tiny incision in back and recovery was fast, pain relief was immediate. I walked out of the surgery where earlier I had been wheelchaired in. (Blame predictive texts for crappy grammer ) 🤪🥴😁

[Reethebeat in reply to Purplecrow]

Purplecrow, thanks for your information. And that your initial surgery helped so much. Good luck for the mri scan. I'm still waiting to chase my doctor up. Good luck

[Purplecrow in reply to Reethebeat]

🙏🏽