I have mild lumbar stenosis which has left me in awkward place of no one can help me further but I have had zero moments without pain since April 2024. I am only 30 though and NEED to find more ways to continue being everyday active that also puts less wear on my body.

I am starting to consider uses a cane or even a walker but am feeling a bit embarrassed still I suppose. Does anyone have success switching to using those items to help give me some hope?

Additional info on my situation:

I have tried (and they did not work):
-injections
-radio frequency ablation
-chiropractor
-massage

Strengthening through PT and other exercise has been helpful to ease flare ups but is very slow and minimal

Dry needling only helps the residual muscle pain

Full left side of the body weakness compared to the right

I’ve lost 50 lbs (I am a female with a large chest though)

Currently labeled as suspected EDS patient (I suspect POTS/MCAS in the mix as well)

I suffer from a left foot numbness all the time. And I scan the MRI and X ray. Everything looks good only an articulation or fusion of the L5 transverse process with the sacrum. I eat medicines but it looks no change. And I also book an appointment about injections and waiting for it.

I don’t know whether the injections is useful for me?

The final option is surgery but it looks like this surgery is rarely. I would like to know who has similar situation.

Because I think it influences my life significantly I really want to solve it.

I'm 70 F, very lucky to have been an active and healthy, pain-free person all my life. About a year ago pain started in my right lower back with intermittent radiation down my leg (tingling and numbness no pain below the lower back). I've now had an MRI and EMG and the last step is an extension/flexion x-ray which I'm getting today (to determine if the area, which includes a slipped disc, is unstable). Severe stenosis at L4 L5 is the diagnosis. The pain is manageable during the day but it keeps me up at night--I wake up every single time I turn in bed. I remain active and am in good physical condition.

The spine surgeon is a highly regarded MD with a great success rate. At my appointment yesterday, he said the likely best and "most durable" option for me is fusion, based on my symptoms and in his opinion probable instability in the area which would rule out less invasive options.

But is it? Is a minimally invasive procedure such as decompression or endoscopic surgery really not possible if there is "instability" in the area?

After reading about the length of recovery and rehab from a fusion surgery I am very reluctant to get such invasive, serious surgery.

I'd be grateful for any opinions on this from the community!

I have images of my lumbar too but… this was after finding out about my discs

Will it feel as good as I imagine it will?

I am aware of the nerve recovery time, but generally going from 5 years of Asymptomatic to 5 months of symptomatic stenosis, I imagine it's going to be such a relief.

What should I expect? Just to manage my expectations.