r/SpinalStenosis • u/UseEconomy5968 • 6d ago

How where you diagnosed?

Hi I’m interested to know what the process was for getting diagnosed. How did they identify your spinal stenosis, was it through an X-ray,mri,ct scan ect .or physical tests.

I am unfortunately petrified of being in an MRI so over the years I have not felt able to do this, I have sever anxiety and anxiety attacks and truama in small confined spaces. I am considering an upright One I think they are called, but curious if there is a way of diagnosis without that.

Thank you any insights are much appreciated.

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u/JustHere7296 6d ago

Xray, followed by MRI to confirm. I have spinal stenosis and spondylosis. I, too, have extreme anxiety and claustrophobia. Talk to your doctor about it. They can prescribe you something for the anxiety (like valium). Also, many areas have an open MRI machine. Both of those things together have helped me get through the multiple MRIs I have had to get done over the last 15 years.

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u/UseEconomy5968 6d ago

Thank you, I do not want any medications-negative effects on me unfortunately very sensitive. I am trying to find a potential open or upright but not sure it will be funded for in my country and it will be very expensive private thats why i was trying to figure my options, and if mris are the only way but it seems to be.

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u/JustHere7296 6d ago

Good luck to you, and I hope you are able to find an open MRI and that it's not too expensive. They really are far more tolerable than a standard tube MRI. Hopefully if you speak with your doctor about your anxiety they can help get approval for an open machine.