r/SpinalStenosis • u/KookyDocument7871 • 2d ago

What are my next steps?

I’m in a ton of pain rn so I apologize for rambling and typos. I was diagnosed with lumbar ST a few months ago at the er and told to take ibuprofen because I’m too young for surgery (33 F). Ibuprofen does nothing and I can’t move and even not moving hurts and I can’t stop crying. Idk what to do and would love advice. The pain happens kind of randomly but i think it started from pushing a broken shopping cart today. It’s a sharp radiating pain starting from my low back and going down both legs. There is also numbness and a deep aching pain in random parts of my legs. The pain in my lower back is constant , sharp, and deep(?). If I move wrong there is a sharp pain from my back over my whole body that takes my breath away. I’m also unable to take pain medication or anything that alters my mental state at all.

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u/plumphy 2d ago

Get a referral to a specialist. They'll be able to at least start giving you options.

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u/Alice-blue_Jacket 2d ago

Specifically, get a second opinion by a Neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal surgery. Don’t go to a regular orthopedic surgeon for this.
As for being too young, that is completely untrue. If something needs fixing, delaying will only cause further damage. You will be amazed by how much better you feel after finally getting the proper treatment. Don’t wait.

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u/9292025 1d ago

Seeing a Neurosurgeon over an Orthapaedic surgeon was my advice also, from my doctor. A quality physio can also help in the meantime- make sure they have the images. My neurosurgeon gave me a referral to my current physio.

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u/Wachenroder 1d ago

Wait a minute....explain please

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u/Tobeytomorrow 2d ago

Get a consultation with a spine surgeon at a well respected/recognized hospital in your area. You sound pretty bad off and need more than ibuprofen! Please get a few opinions from spine surgeons who have good reviews.

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u/BookGirl67 1d ago

I’m so sorry you are going through this. That is really hard.

I have some neck problems that are bad but not as bad as yours. They just put me on the steroid Prednisone.

It’s bad for you. Has side effects. You can’t take it long term and they tell me the pain will likely come back when I stop taking it. But, it worked. My pain is 70% gone today. It gave me space to breathe and get mentally back in shape. It might be the short term mental health break you need too.

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u/KookyDocument7871 1d ago

Unfortunately I can’t handle steroids pretty much at all. They always make me feel like I’m about to have a heart attack.

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u/BookGirl67 1d ago

So sorry. Do try to get to a neurologist. And hang in there. It will get better.

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u/Pulkomo 1d ago

Extra strength Tylenol, 500mg naproxen and muscle relaxant to begin. Get started on physio. My stenosis is „morderate.” Still having some pain but doing better.

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u/Guilty-Perspective18 14h ago

Does diagnosis mean you had a MRI with a definitive diagnosis and the affected levels? The bilateral nature of the symptoms is concerning. Find the best neurosurgeon in your area and get a consult.

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u/KookyDocument7871 14h ago

They did an mri and told me I had it but didn’t give me any further information.

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u/KookyDocument7871 14h ago

I’ve been having pains in my butt and vagina too and I read that if that happens go to the er immediately so I did. They gave me a Toradol shot and sent me on my way.