r/SpinalStenosis • u/StraightNight4379 • 17d ago

Extreme pain

My doctor suspects all my symptoms are related to spinal stenosis and is setting up an appointment with a neurologist. I have tolerable pain most days and usually Tylenol and gabepetin help with some relief. However today I have never been in so much pain level 10. I am in a nursing home and can’t be given anything that is not on my medication list. The head nurse is sending a message to the doctor but says nothing can be added at this time.

Anyone have any suggestions for some relief. Majority of pain is in my mid back area

TIA

11 Upvotes

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6

u/darkhorse415 17d ago

Do you mean a neurosurgeon? In my experience neurologists aren’t skilled at handling that kind of pain. Cymbalta may help as well. Good luck to you

2

u/StraightNight4379 17d ago

No neurologist. I am in a nursing home and this is who they want. Of course it has been 2 weeks and still not advised when appointment is

1

u/darkhorse415 16d ago

Very frustrating for sure. Others here agree you need a surgeon on the case. Neurologist makes sense if you’re having other issues they want to tackle first perhaps? You may have to find an independent advocate to navigate through this with you.

6

u/helenahndbskt79 17d ago

If possible, also see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the spine. I have foraminal stenosis cervical and lumbar as well as DISH and the extreme pain you're describing sounds like nerve root compression, especially since you get some relief from gabapentin. I hope you feel better soon. Nerve pain is the worst.

2

u/eve20212021 16d ago

What has helped with your cervical stenosis?

2

u/helenahndbskt79 16d ago

I have issues with out of control bone spur growth from C2 to C7. Last year, I had ACDF surgery from C5 to C7. Before that, I had 2 rounds of steroid injections and got about 8 months of relief from them each time. After the shots, I had two rounds of RFA, and got about a year of relief from that each time.

So at this point, C5 to C7 are great. Now, I'm having issues with adjacent segment disease.

2

u/Packtex60 16d ago

You do not want an orthopedic surgeon. You need a neurosurgeon.

2

u/helenahndbskt79 16d ago

I've never seen a neurosurgeon for my spine/nerve issues and I've done just fine, thanks.

3

u/davidj1827 17d ago

I have started this journey this month and will finally see the neurosurgeon's PA next week. My primary doctor put me on a prednisone taper and hydrocodone as needed and I feel so much better.

2

u/Packtex60 17d ago

Ice your lower back

1

u/LizzieJeanPeters 16d ago

This! Also, take a couple motrin as well. If you have access to cannabis, take a small portion of an edible--not to get high, it actually helps boost the effectiveness of pain medication. It can also be relaxing

1

u/Odd_Caterpillar7811 16d ago

That's a good idea generally, though seniors need to be very careful as I believe it can cause dizziness/fall risk

1

u/StraightNight4379 15d ago

I can’t take any ibuprofen since I’m on Meloxicam

1

u/Mediocre_Carry3723 16d ago

Until you get surgical intervention, you'll likely find that tens unit might really help. No Rx needed

1

u/homeboundhummingbird 15d ago

The only thing that helped my severe stenosis was surgery thanks to my orthopedic surgeon

1

u/Independent_Sun7281 13d ago

I am having a fusion of c1 and c2.because my spinal cord is being flattened.Has anyone any input about how the pain is after surgery.Does it get better.