Spinal Stenosis

[bobbie22]

I have spinal stenosis. The pain in my legs is horrendous. I have been given pain killers by my doctor. Gabapentin. As the initial does did not have any effect on the pain, the doctor has doubled the dose with the proviso that I can triple the dose if needs be. I am waiting for a scan then will see a consultant. What will the likely treatment be for this problem? Many thanks for any answers.

[bobbie22]

Initial dose, not does. Sorry

[Sqad]

From what you have described, the likely treatment will be surgery.

For various reason e.g old age, past trauma, the spinal nerves, usually those at the bottom of the spine, are "trapped" by the bony spine, leading to pain, numbness and tingling.

The object of the surgery is to either remove the bony "culprits" (Laminectomy) or widen the spinal canal ( Foraminectomy) or fix the lumbar spine so it cant move ( Spinal fusion) or any combination of all three, depending upon the results of the CT or MRI scan.

[bobbie22]

Thanks for your answer sqad. Much appreciated. I am 73 so the age thing sounds right. I have had a 'bad back' for many years, but you just carry on. This now is terrible, I am hardly able to walk. This is surgery, as you say. Would this be a general anaesthetic or a local? I don't actually mind what they do, as long as they can sort this out.

[Sqad]

It would almost certainly be a general anaesthetic and be performed either by a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic surgeon.

[bobbie22]

Thanks squad.

[bobbie22]

Sorry. Sqad

[Sqad]

LOL......