Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? - Pain Management Message Board

scotty12 · 05-25-2006, 08:21 AM

Does anyone experience severe aching in the calves?

my pain dr says im too young to have Neurogenic Claudication but ive read that it is quite common with Spondylolisthesis.

It has become so bad that even when i get out of bed in the morning it feels sa though ive been walking uphill for miles.climbing stairs is just horrible.

anyone have any helpfull input?

scott

Shoreline · 05-25-2006, 12:36 PM

Hey SCott, Sounds like a mighty big leap if that's your only symptom. Spondyliotheisis can be seen easily in Xrays, Stenosis is ca completely different problem and requires an MRI to DX. Without the tests, it's hard to say it's if it's from a spinal disorder or anything more than something bananas or a little magnesium wouldn't cure. You can scare the crap out of yourself thinking of every thing that migt cause leg pain. MD, MS, auto imune disorders or even bone cancer?

Hopefully it's nothing that severe, Dave

scotty12 · 05-25-2006, 07:04 PM

hey dave,good to hear from you.

i do have grade 2 spondy and stenosis along with adjacent disc degeneration,the 2 levels above slip.

the aching or tiredness in my legs has just gotten horrible.the only time it eases is when i elevate my legs like putting a pillow under my knees.

Im just trying to educate myself because i have read that epidurals may help and being as my pain dr doesnt think NC is my problem id rather be fairly sure that the injections may help asthe last one i had hurt so bad i yelped when he started injecting the meds.

i havent given up yet but for the first time i really am considering surgery.
im just tired of all of it,the back pain,the leg pain,and this achiness in my lower legs has just gotten to me.

hope all is well,scott

Shoreline · 05-26-2006, 05:20 AM

Sorry Scotty, I didn't make the connection to what I'm sure you have already told us about your spine condition. My last post to shawley has 5 links regarding spondy treatment options and bracing is actually one worth tryng if you haven't had a fusion yet and can't slip your turtle shell back on to see if it helps. I'll make it easy and move the post over here.
Take care, Dave

scotty12 · 05-26-2006, 07:10 AM

i find it hard to believe you would feel better with all that hardware.
i think a surgery like that should only be done when you can no longer function but if paralisys is an issue now then i could relate to considering the surgery.

in my cae would wearing a brace mimic a succesful fusion (back pain from the instability)?