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I have noticed a big change in the shape of my spine and it almost looks like it has sunk in

Posted , 4 users are following.

Yvonne470
Yvonne470

Is the only way I can describe it. I am scared it could be spinal stenosis, as I have a lot of bone issues. Osteosprosis since I was 20. Prolapsed disc at base of spine L5 Thoracic have prolapsed discs as well but can't remember which ones at the moment, and also 2 in my neck, can't rember those either lol. But, lately it is looking as though my spine has sunk in, about a foot in length, and looks like a valley rolleyes lol. I am not looking for a diagnosis as I am seeing my GP on Wednesday. Just wondering if any of you have the same issues or at least know what SPINAL STENOSIS looks like.

Many thanks in advance

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • jessica_78456
    jessica_78456 Yvonne470

    Posted

    Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the open spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine to your arms and legs. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.
  • dpilot
    dpilot Yvonne470

    Posted

    Yea I have stenosis which is basically spine curvature. With age almost everyone has it to some degree. Mine is significant but livable still. Mine spine took more to a mild  "S" shape 

    • dpilot
      dpilot

      Posted

      By  its curvature it causes the cannal to narrow and compress the nerve bundle. Mine is compressed about 30% at L3-L4 to give you an idae. I'm 69 but still boat, dive, fish, and fly. Sleeping is the most painful event of the entired day because of laying down in a position of pain. Just to give you an idea of whats doable despite the stenosis

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX Yvonne470

    Posted

    First picture...this is what spinal stenosis look like at L2/L3.  In me, it caused severe sciatic-like pain down BOTH legs.  Diagnosed by MRI; confirmed by CT/Myelogram with contrast.  Notice how L2 has shifted anteriorly and all the nerves are compressed in the smaller space between L2 and L3.

    Since I'm already fused L3 through S1, doc gave me a choice of replacing all the hardware and re-fusing me L2 through S1 via a standard TLIF.  4-5 hour op, 10 days in the hospital, 4-6 months back brace and rehab...or...

    Having an LLIF.  They go in from your side LATERALLY (LLIF instead of TLIF) instead of from your back. Overnight stay and zero rehab vs. the TLIF.  Just had mine done at L2/L3 three months ago for the stenosis.  Yes, there is post-op nerve pain because they have to retract all the nerve roots to insert the device.  First two weeks suck but then it gets better fast.  If you can't, or won't, take nerve meds (Gabapentin, Neurontin, Lyrica, etc.) because of the horrid side effects, heating pads and Aspercreme with 4% Lidocaine help.  Muscle rubs have no effect; neither do opioids...it's NERVE pain!!!  Should have asked for Lidocaine patches... 

    Need a General Surgeon to create the 12" long "tunnel" from side to spine and then the neurosurgeon does his work.  Eliminate the bad disc, insert, expand, backfill with bone graft from your hip, close. 

    Search YouTube for "globus lateral" for a cute animation of the procedure.  Because they have to use an Allen wrench to crank it open, I have now given my neuro the honorary Brooklyn Sicilian Wiseguy nickname of "Tommy The Wrench".

    Put the whole story plus updates here...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-expandable-spacer-570509

    Comes in parallel (the whole thing expands uniformly) and lordotic (they can control the posterior and anterior expansions separately...like my 15 mm rear / 5 mm front expansion to maintain good curvature).  Give it some thought as an option to slicing open your spine.  I was walking swiftly and climbing stairs within a few hours of waking up.  All stenosis gone; but then the anesthesia wears off and you get the nerve pain.  

    The posterior post-op picture shows the device; the lateral post-op picture shows the lordotic nature of the device to maintain proper spine curvature.  Also, notice how the entire intervertebral spinal area is free from the nerve compression when compared to the pre-op picture.

    I've had 3 back surgeries, a new hip and a metal knee...plus four kidney stones.  For me, this was FANTASTIC.  Yeah, there's post op pain but after a knee replacement, this is a cakewalk.  After 45 years of hockey, ya gotta pay the price sometime.  This one had its moments but, for me, very doable.

    Enough information?

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