Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊

[Misc] Help please - Spinal Stenosis



Zeberdi

“Vorsprung durch Technik”
NSC Patron
Oct 20, 2022
7,980
Apologies in advance for the long post.

Just to be clear, this isn’t a post for self pity or sympathy but a genuine request for information.

Some (many?) of you know by now I have had severe widespread pain and mobility issues that has got progressively worse in the past few years along with progressively worsening balance issues, brain fog and fatigue. All of which has also taken a toll on my mental wellbeing and autistic symptoms but I have managed to avoid depression fortunately)

After travelling to Brighton last week, my symptoms took a turn for the worse and are still very acute. I have had severe head and neck pains, shooting pains and pins and needles with sciatica in both legs as well as muscle weakness and nausea ( from the pain) at a level I have not experienced before. I have been diagnosed at various times over the years with several autoimmune conditions, a neurological condition and more recently Long Covid and arthritis but this is the worse I have ever felt.

Last month I had MRI brain, cervical and lumbar scans because my mobility has become so bad. It showed among other things, the expected T2 white flares associated with my neurological disorder and brain atrophy ( expected).

However, my MRI of the neck showed advanced and “severe cervical foraminal stenosis“ ( progressive narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord). Untreated it can lead to paralysis and even death.

I am waiting to hear back from the Neurologist hopefully about a referral to an Orthopaedic Surgeon but does anyone have “severe forminal stenosis” to the point it has advanced to neurological symptoms and if so, have they had steroid injections or surgery to take the pressure off the spinal cord?

I have had physio and various prescription painkillers thrown at me over the years that haven’t worked because in the absence of a proper diagnosis, it was the wrong treatment. Instead, the degeneration has progressed to an advanced stage in the absence of a diagnosis and I don’t know what if anything can still be done.

I am wondering if there may be one or two NSCers who have this disease and can share some experiences of treatment etc.

Thanks. 🙂
 
Last edited:






PascalGroß Tips

Well-known member
Jan 29, 2024
903
Firstly, I'm sorry you're going through all this ... and have been for far too long.

Has anyone mentioned - or have you heard of - craniosacral therapy? My wife was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia (after 5 years or so of tests and scans to effectively rule all sorts of other things out). After doing lots of research (as there is no cure or single treatment for fibromyalgia) she came across this therapy as a possible way of managing the pain that she has. She found a qualified therapist in Hove (I appreciate you're not in Sussex these days) and has had three sessions so far. After each session, she has experienced significant benefit. Believe me, if it wasn't helping, she wouldn't be going back.

Now I appreciate that you're going through is even more complex - but on having a quick look just now, craniosacral therapy is mentioned as a complementary treatment for severe cervical foraminal stenosis (see below). It might be worth having a read up on it and having a conversation with your medical people.

Screenshot 2025-02-20 at 17.03.05.png

It's a really gentle therapy and when I first read about it, I was sceptical. But as I say, after each session my wife has had decent results in terms of helping with pain etc. Brain fog and fatigue are also things that my wife experiences with her fibromyalgia.

Here's some info on the therapy - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17677-craniosacral-therapy

All the best with trying to find something that helps.
 


Zeberdi

“Vorsprung durch Technik”
NSC Patron
Oct 20, 2022
7,980
I can't help with sharing any useful insights @Zeberdi, but I can wish you all the best and hope there's an improvement in your situation.
Thank you - much appreciated. 😍

Has anyone mentioned - or have you heard of - craniosacral therapy? …
All the best with trying to find something that helps.
Thanks @PascalGroß Tips for taking the trouble to write such a detailed response. I had not heard of this and will certainly bring it up with the Neurologist. Unfortunately I also have cervical instability (which is why the neurological symptoms and pain is exacerbated by vehicular motion, lifting weight and exercise so it may not be suitable. It is looking at the moment that the only effective treatment for stage 3 (severe) forminal stenosis is neck/spinal surgery to widen the spinal tunnel/canal to decompress the spinal chord which I really don’t fancy, hence wondering if anyone has had that option.
 


PascalGroß Tips

Well-known member
Jan 29, 2024
903
Thank you - much appreciated. 😍


Thanks @PascalGroß Tips for taking the trouble to write such a detailed response. I had not heard of this and will certainly bring it up with the Neurologist. Unfortunately I also have cervical instability (which is why the neurological symptoms and pain is exacerbated by vehicular motion, lifting weight and exercise so it may not be suitable. It is looking at the moment that the only effective treatment for stage 3 (severe) forminal stenosis is neck/spinal surgery to widen the spinal tunnel/canal to decompress the spinal chord which I really don’t fancy, hence wondering if anyone has had that option.
Yes, you have to tread very carefully with these things and always seek advice from those involved. I truly hope you can find some answers to improve things. I'm in awe that you manage to get to games given what you are dealing with.
 




One Teddy Maybank

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Aug 4, 2006
23,792
Worthing
I have cervical stenosis/myelopathy.

It sounds that you have other factors as well so I would tread carefully.

It can be left untreated and not degenerate, but the advice I was given was as soon as doing up/undoing buttons becomes challenging, that’s when you need treatment and relatively quickly.

Before considering treatment, my own advice would be that surgeons like to operate, so get two opinions. (If that is indeed an option for you).

I have decided to stay on f/up as long as possible with an annual MRI (literally had mine tonight)…….Like you I don’t fancy the surgery…..

Obviously wish you the absolute best of luck….
 




Zeberdi

“Vorsprung durch Technik”
NSC Patron
Oct 20, 2022
7,980
I have cervical stenosis/myelopathy.

It sounds that you have other factors as well so I would tread carefully.

It can be left untreated and not degenerate, but the advice I was given was as soon as doing up/undoing buttons becomes challenging, that’s when you need treatment and relatively quickly.

Before considering treatment, my own advice would be that surgeons like to operate, so get two opinions. (If that is indeed an option for you).

I have decided to stay on f/up as long as possible with an annual MRI (literally had mine tonight)…….Like you I don’t fancy the surgery…..

Obviously wish you the absolute best of luck….
Thanks Teddy. Good advice.

It’s early in the diagnostic process for me but it has progressed to quite severe symptoms in a fairly short period of time (18-24 months) hence the scans and nerve conduction tests although I have had neck problems since severe whiplash from a RTA 20 years ago. Because of the cervical instability, the nerve compression can be intermittant - at worst, I can’t do up a jacket/buttons or stand up and drop things and it affects swallowing and my vision. At best, just constant pain. In the meantime until I see an orthopaedic consultant and the neurologist again, I have been advised to wear a neck collar. Tbh I am relieved I have a diagnosis but the NHS is so slow to process!

Sorry to hear you have cervical myelopathy too - hopefully it won’t progress any further for you, it doesn’t always apparently. Surgery really is a last resort for anything.
 






Zeberdi

“Vorsprung durch Technik”
NSC Patron
Oct 20, 2022
7,980


Zeberdi

“Vorsprung durch Technik”
NSC Patron
Oct 20, 2022
7,980
Well since that diagnosis of cervical myelopathy I have also been diagnosed with a degenerative brain condition according to a letter I received today - thats on top of Long Covid, rheumatoid arthritis, several other autoimmune conditions, ME, chronic kidney disease, small lung disease and recurring skin cancer.

I have struggled with ill health for 40 years but since being hospitalised with Covid in 2023, it just pile on after pile on now - and I really don’t have anyone I can lean on so apologies for venting. It’s exhausting chasing medical appointments, trying to
deal with dismissive Consultants and unhelpful GPs.

I know I said I don’t suffer from depression and I don’t but sometimes it’s like a freight train coming at me at warp speed out of the blue slamming into me and then I’m in free fall. The only thing motivating me at the moment is my determination to keep going to football and not to give up, my Mum needing me and the kindness of a few people on NSC who have really been there for me, share my love of the Albion and yes, I have some insane hope that one day I’ll be healthy again - rather like keeping clothes in the closet that fit you 20 years ago in the hope you’ll get back to your pre-middle age spread.

I loved attending the match last night but boy it takes it out of me and when it does, each time when the adrenaline has worn off and the pain and fatigue take over, I realise I’m running on empty and feel incredibly low.
 






US Seagull

Well-known member
Jul 17, 2003
5,327
Cleveland, OH
Apologies in advance for the long post.

Just to be clear, this isn’t a post for self pity or sympathy but a genuine request for information.

Some (many?) of you know by now I have had severe widespread pain and mobility issues that has got progressively worse in the past few years along with progressively worsening balance issues, brain fog and fatigue. All of which has also taken a toll on my mental wellbeing and autistic symptoms but I have managed to avoid depression fortunately)

After travelling to Brighton last week, my symptoms took a turn for the worse and are still very acute. I have had severe head and neck pains, shooting pains and pins and needles with sciatica in both legs as well as muscle weakness and nausea ( from the pain) at a level I have not experienced before. I have been diagnosed at various times over the years with several autoimmune conditions, a neurological condition and more recently Long Covid and arthritis but this is the worse I have ever felt.

Last month I had MRI brain, cervical and lumbar scans because my mobility has become so bad. It showed among other things, the expected T2 white flares associated with my neurological disorder and brain atrophy ( expected).

However, my MRI of the neck showed advanced and “severe cervical foraminal stenosis“ ( progressive narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord). Untreated it can lead to paralysis and even death.

I am waiting to hear back from the Neurologist hopefully about a referral to an Orthopaedic Surgeon but does anyone have “severe forminal stenosis” to the point it has advanced to neurological symptoms and if so, have they had steroid injections or surgery to take the pressure off the spinal cord?

I have had physio and various prescription painkillers thrown at me over the years that haven’t worked because in the absence of a proper diagnosis, it was the wrong treatment. Instead, the degeneration has progressed to an advanced stage in the absence of a diagnosis and I don’t know what if anything can still be done.

I am wondering if there may be one or two NSCers who have this disease and can share some experiences of treatment etc.

Thanks. 🙂
As others have said. I have no experience or good advice to share, but I wish you the absolute best. I hope they can do something for you to, at least, make you more comfortable.
 


Zeberdi

“Vorsprung durch Technik”
NSC Patron
Oct 20, 2022
7,980
As others have said. I have no experience or good advice to share, but I wish you the absolute best. I hope they can do something for you to, at least, make you more comfortable.
Thanks.😍

The skin cancers are easy, they’ll just keep digging them out and lobbing them off. The autoimmune stuff I’m on Methotrexate for so that’s sort of manageable - steroid injections may help with the myelopathy or surgery. Not much they can do about my brain.

Been trying to access MH services for months even the Crisis MH team have referred me twice but no MH available in my area (despite every clinician I see thinking I’m a suicide risk because of the levels of pain I’m constantly in 🙄)
 




Change at Barnham

Well-known member
Aug 6, 2011
5,762
Bognor Regis
Try and stay strong Zeberdi. And keep contributing to NSC as long as you feel up to it.
Your finest moment will always remain the scouting of Fabian Hürzeler when no one else had mentioned him or even heard of him.

Hopefully you can stay fit enough to see a few more European nights at The Amex.
Get home, have a decent rest and don't look at the England v Afghanistan cricket score.
 


Zeberdi

“Vorsprung durch Technik”
NSC Patron
Oct 20, 2022
7,980
Try and stay strong Zeberdi. And keep contributing to NSC as long as you feel up to it.
Your finest moment will always remain the scouting of Fabian Hürzeler when no one else had mentioned him or even heard of him.

Hopefully you can stay fit enough to see a few more European nights at The Amex.
Get home, have a decent rest and don't look at the England v Afghanistan cricket score.
Thanks.

Am on the train still heading back to Norfolk and having an internal meltdown. I really appreciate your response more than you can know 🙏
 


Change at Barnham

Well-known member
Aug 6, 2011
5,762
Bognor Regis
Thanks.

Am on the train still heading back to Norfolk and having an internal meltdown. I really appreciate your response more than you can know 🙏
Try and stay calm.
Close your eyes and visualise as much of yesterday's match as you can remember, from arriving at the ground through to the time of leaving your seat after the final whistle.
And picture in your mind the joy and happiness of all the Albion fans who were lucky enough to be able to share that experience with you.

Try and forget the bit about the transport afterwards back to your hotel.
 


boik

Well-known member
Not an area that I have any experience it whatsoever, but wishing you the very best.

Hopefully a great end to the season and (whisper it) the chance of Europe again, will help keep your spirits up which might help you combat everything else.
 




BLOCK F

Well-known member
Feb 26, 2009
6,840
Hi Zeb,
I am so sorry to hear about your health issues.
I have Spinal Stenosis in the lumbar region rather than higher up and can only tell you of my experience, but it may be of help or may be no help at all. I was diagnosed with SS by my very experienced GP about 12 or so years ago, when I couldn’t stand on tiptoes on my right leg. To cut a long story short, I had pain in standing and walking and still do. My mobility is quite substantially affected and hence my recent post asking for advice about Kings Cross station which you very kindly replied to. Anyway, I had to, metaphorically, jump through the usual NHS hoops and was referred to a physio who quickly came to the conclusion that he couldn’t help. From memory, I was then sent for x-rays and MRI scans that confirmed the Spinal Stenosis diagnosis and I was then referred to a specialist spinal surgeon who gave me a number of steroid jabs under general anaesthetic, but unfortunately, these had no effect at all. I then was told by the surgeon that he could perform a spinal release and co-flex stabilisation op, which would release the pressure of the vertebrae on the spinal cord. He did say that this would almost certainly help the sciatic type pains in my legs, but may not do much for the back pain. He was true to his word and that was exactly what happened. About 12 years later, and the condition has got steadily worse, and at almost 77, I just accept it. It is shit and as someone who was a very fit and sporty youngster, I really miss my mobility and inability to enjoy even a short walk.
Sorry to sound so moany, but that is how it is for me. I do not know much about your type of Stenosis, but for mine, I do believe some people have got relief from Pilates and working on their core strength.
To sum up, the spinal release op was no magic cure, but then again, I may have been in an even worse position than I am now, without it being done, who knows. Anyway, I wish you well in your health battles and my thoughts and sympathy are with you.👍
 




Albion and Premier League latest from Sky Sports


Top
Link Here