Part 2 - Non Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

This video outlines the non surgical options that a patient might take to treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. I tell my patients that surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is a last resort and should only be considered if there is muscle weakness or if it is effecting your overall quality of life.

#thespineguy #spinalstenosis #spinesurgery #physicaltherapy #corestrengthening #epiduralsteroidinjection #nervemedications #nsaids

Dr. Brian W. Su, MD
Spine Surgeon
Chief Development and Strategy Officer | California Orthopedics and Spine
Medical Director of Spine Surgery | Marin General Hospital
Director | Marin Healthcare District Board
Chairman | Marin Specialty Surgery Center

Yelp:

Contact two locations:
415-927-5300

2 Bon Air Road, Suite 120
Larkspur, CA 94939

7100 Redwood Blvd, Suite 200
Novato, CA 94945

Curriculum Vitae:

FTC: This video is not sponsored.

Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Information obtained from this video should not be taken in lieu of your own medical provider's advice and treatment plan. Please consult directly with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any diagnosis or treatment plan options. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose , treat, cure or prevent disease.

[marin]

Thanks DR SU, you gave me back my life after performing surgery on me 2012 . ( FYI a different diagnosis) I asked for 10 more work years and you gave it to me. I am pain free, stable and forever grateful.🙏

[COMEDY_JUNKIE]

ICU nurse here. Diagnosed with Congenital Spinal stenosis, facet joint arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and herniated L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1. I’ve lost 170lbs due to gastric bypass. I’ve tried: PO prednisone, steroid injections, radio frequency ablation (2X), 2800mg Neurontin, Vidicon 5mg (2x daily), PT, tummy tuck that improved my core muscles, laminectomy and discectomy (2020). - had a year of improved life quality. During surgery, the neurosurgeon found pieces of my disc broken off that he had to pick out of my spinal column. He said my back was “decorating”. Since surgery, I’ve felt my back and also heard my back clicking- as if it feels unstable but surgeon was not concerned when I brought this to his attention. My left side was the one that was always effected. Now recently, bad new flare up. This is now on my right side. No relief despite now trying a decadron shot and PO decadron. Also back on Neurontin 2800mg which was previously stopped following surgery. I’m only 33 years old and I can’t even get up to use the bathroom without crying. At first, I had a couple hours in the day that the pain was manageable. Now after 2 weeks on disability, I can’t walk at all. Also currently trying CBD oil because I’m open/ desperate to not be in pain. Have an appointment to see a new Neurosurgeon at the beginning of August but just seems a long wait time with how progressively worse it has gotten. Being stuck in the bathtub for an hour because I can’t get out. Can’t stand long enough to brush my teeth. Very difficult time. I’m so young and I just want to be an ICU nurse to help others. I feel like I can’t even get help myself.

[blissbrad]

I'm a psychotherapist. I can't tell you how many depressed patients often middle-aged men who are blue collar workers come in very depressed and start talking about how bad their back pain is. Many have become so discouraged and depressed because of the chronic pain that they've given up on seeking treatment. Some have develop addiction problems as a result. Thank you for this wonderful resource so I can help point these individuals towards better medical care and help them get some hope and find treatment for one of the factors that are making their depression difficult to treat.

[joylea]

It was a blessing. Your video came on screen as I lay here having taken mobic for pain in my left buttock radiating directly across to my left front side and down the back left leg and down to the front of the foot.
Once again, I'm on pt with deep therapy in my left buttock. I cry from the spot they find and put pressure on. I carefully walk out as I loose feeling in my leg and will fall.
I thank you for letting me know what is wrong with me. I've been going to specialists in Texas since I was 40. I am 73 now and retired at 60 from school because of the falling and constant pain.
You have been the only physician to give me knowledge of what could be wrong with me.
You are certainly a physician specialist who has a huge heart and wants to help the human race. Thank you is certainly not enough in appreciation to you. Praying for you and asking for our Heavenly Father to bless you and your family is all that I have.
Sincerely,
Joy Lea ED.D.

[catholiclife]

Wow!! My husband has this and has been suffering for 4 cannot work or get through a basic day....I have never seen a Dr so you Dr from a nurse who is trying to do anything to help my

[cuyoung]

I looked at this video over and over, finally got my epidural, that was an experience I’ll never forget, immediate relief, let’s see how it goes, it’s been 6 days so far.. I’ll keep in touch♥️

[carrolloneill]

This is the clearest, comprehensive explanation of this condition I have encountered. I finally understand why my doctors have recommended these measures.

[Douggiie]

I've dealt with degenerative disc and sciatica. I was heading into a deep depression while trying to deal with the pain in my left buttock and leg. Thankfully, physical therapy, nsaids and 2 tapers of prednisone have given me relief. Thank you for your videos Dr. Su, they're informative and reassuring.

[Sassafras]

I had the epidural 10 years ago and haven’t had any leg and buttock pain like that ever again. I’m 75 now and have occasional pain but I see a chiropractor to unlock muscles and relax tension.

[loannett]

Thank you Dr. SU! You gave me back my life. So value you and your videos. I suffered for two years with L4 L5 radiculopathy having surgery now allows me to exercise and strengthen my core. I had to drive 5 hours to get to your office. So worth it. Very grateful for you and your skill.

[yanique]

Thank you for explaining this subject so clearly. I also refused to have surgery 5 years ago, managing pain with aquatherapy, regular core strengthening, stretching and walking regularly.

[pattymsolomon]

Dr Su, thank you for another fabulous video . I am a RN in her mid Sixties & currently know & have experienced a lot of back issues. I appreciate you addressing how quality of live can be affected Both physically and Mentally/Emotionally.

[TheBlakerunner]

Hey Doctor Su, This is the most cogent, complete summation of how to deal with spinal stenosis that I have every read or seen. You have absolutely nailed the 5 year process that I have been on in dealing with my condition. I finally got the epidural, 4 months ago, and wow, it worked. With regular core strength training with Pilates, and I am functioning much, much better, and feel like I have bought myself some time. Thank you for putting this video together.

[catholiclife]

What a great Dr.... nobody has ever done something like this ...Thank you Dr...so very very grateful....

[carehta]

This is truly a straight to the point summary of recommendations connected to symptoms. Very helpful.

[kasepe]

Thank you for this video. Now I have clearer undestanding of my condition.

[maritzavega]

Thanks, you have given the best explanation I have heard since my "severe spinal stenosis" was diagnosed.

[m.b.]

This information would have been useful if I'd of known earlier. So far I've had (2) back surgeries and still have no relief. Alot of pain to endure and it's been since 2016. Shortly after I had a 2nd surgery. To top that I've also had multiple hip surgeries which I have severely dislocated that same hip twice. I'm wearing a hip brace and I'm on antibiotics for life. I refuse to have any more surgeries I can barely walk now and I'm a 69 yr old woman. I'd give anything to be able to walk and get my life back with out pain. Thank You for your information and your video. God Bless and Take Care. 🙏🏻

[hld]

Thank you Dr Su - I have been dealing with both sciatica and lumbar spinal stenosis for a very long time. My doctor had ordered an MRI over 2 months ago. The insurance company's third party denied me getting one. Stated I needed PT for 6 weeks. Had PT, but the exercises I was instructed to do caused more pain & damage. At times, I would leave PT in tears because I was unable to stand upright. Now I deal with limited amount of sleep because of the constant pain. The only medication I take is 8-hour Tylenol for arthritis.

[rosannaabary]

Cristal clear doctor.i suffer from spimal stenosis for 5 yrs now i do exercises given by the rehab doctor in general hospital in manila philippines.i also take nsaids for pain and pregabalin.i live day to day basis because of the pain, discomfort, burning and struggle walking .im hoping one day the pain is much less or tolerable.learning specific facts from you means a lot to me.thank you doctor so much.