Spinal Stenosis
Original Post: How common is spinal stenosis in the PPS population? I was diagnosed with it many years ago, but a recent fall and MRI revealed that my condition has gotten significantly worse. I slipped out of a chair onto a ceramic tile floor, injuring my back and legs. For the last month, I have been experiencing excruciating pain in my backside, thigh, lumbar spine and hip, mostly on the right side. I've been on Vicodin and have had the first of my cortisone injections. There is no position I am comfortable in except sleeping. Is this now a glimpse into my future just having to deal with this like every other pain that has come along?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Spinal stenosis has never been studied in polio survivors and I don't have data from our Post-Polio Institute patients. That being said, I think that spinal stenosis would be more frequent in polio survivors given muscle imbalances, the absence of back muscles and abnormal gait.
Regardless of all that, you have it and need to treat it.
Having injections of Cortizone and local anesthetic is often very helpful. Stretching in physical therapy and treatment of muscle spasms is also helpful. The drug Lyrica is often effective in decreasing nerve pain related to stenosis.
I recommend that if you use Lyrica, Neurontin, Lidocaine (or other) patches, make sure you talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you.