Lumbar Stenosis Fear...

[MindBodyPT]

Hi mindbody pt.. Do u have any idea what "borderline stenosis" would mean and why the spine guy didn't even mention it? Also that was on the level above my surgery, so I wonder if it's related at all.. Also, that was listed in the "findings" on the report.. The final impression says "no significant spinal stenosis" SO CONFUSING!!

It probably means exactly like what it says...you don't actually have stenosis but your spinal canal is very slightly narrowed at that point. Another normal abnormality. It may or may not be related to the old surgery but it doesn't sound concerning. Trust me that having spinal stenosis on imaging doesn't mean you will have a functional deficit or pain.

 

[Lunarlass66]

It probably means exactly like what it says...you don't actually have stenosis but your spinal canal is very slightly narrowed at that point. Another normal abnormality. It may or may not be related to the old surgery but it doesn't sound concerning. Trust me that having spinal stenosis on imaging doesn't mean you will have a functional deficit or pain.

 

[Lunarlass66]

Thanks so much MindbodyPT, I know I've been harping on this all day, it's horrible having health anxiety and getting all these tests done as they seem to raise more fear and doubt than anything else. You also see commericals around the clock for meds, malpractice suits for botched surgeries, defective implant devices, and faulty joint replacement... We're constantly bombarded with negative medical messages. Combine that with having pain symptoms, a prior back history and being over 50..and it's the perfect storm for triggering mindbody syndrome...
I trust my physical therapy experiences more than any other modality I've tried. At least, they focus on the body's ability to rehabilitate without dangerous invasive procedures. I only wish there were one in my area like you who fully believes that the mind and body are one unit, inseparable and should be treated as a whole... Thanks so much for your help and support! It's very reassuring...

 

[Lunarlass66]

Dear Lunarlass66...OMG yes and she runs around withe her little walker. She does have a knee issue every once in a while and that's about it. Tramadol 1/2 tab takes care of it. I am telling you the truth. She is more concerned about getting to Bingo and the gossip in her senior apartment. Never really complains !

Thanks Click... She uses Tramadol for her knee? God love her, she's got more of a social life than I do..
Seriously, fear and chronic pain are thieves... They take joy, freedom and quality of life. Some days, the caring people on here are my life line... Thanks so much for the reaaurances!