Oh Peppi, a year ago I was in your shoes....so I know the terrible pain you are having. The neurosurgeon did an emergency lamidectomy in your same lumbar area because the stenosis had completely clamped off the nerves to my right thigh and had lost the ability to urinate... I went from the ER directly to the hospital and he did surgery at 7 pm on a terrible snowy, icy night. I did not realize that my chart listed me as "serious condition"....so please keep check on that stenosis...I had no idea, but knew on a scale of 1-10, my pain was a 12!

I am sending prayers up for you right now!

Prayers and special thoughts for you!

((Peppi)), I know all too well that pain. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, let alone a fellow KTer. Sending lots of hugs, good thoughts and prayers your way. (I found that laying back in my recliner with the hot water bottle helped with the pain for me. Exact opposite of what the PT said, but she has never gone through a bout of sciatica. I figure if it works for me, and she has no idea what it feels like, she can bite me.)

I know that pain. I hope you have a fast miracle recovery. I had amazing results with decompression therapy for my own personal situation. The traction was incredible, I continue to go on a regular basis as my back tells me it's time.

Prayers going to you.

My husband is going through the same thing. He's going in Monday for a shot and if that doesn't work, he's considering back surgery. I hope you get relief from all this so you can get your life back.

I hope for you, that you recover or that there may be medical options that are of benefit. If complete permanent recovery is not possible I hope that technology perhaps in the form of a motorized scooter or similar will allow you to move about and enjoy life outdoors.

Sending healing prayers your way. Hope you get relief soon.

I'm wishing you a speedy way of relieving your pain. Obviously the other KT-ers will be able to give you some good ideas. I didn't know that it was so commmon.

Caring thoughts going your way, and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Hi pkramer: My thoughts are with you since I also suffered with back pain. What helped me was taking vitamin D (I was tested VERY deficient & on prescribed mega-dose). I also take magnesium since an Amazon customer mentioned that the doc. prescribed that to her old Mom for pain-management. Magnesium is needed to raise vitamin D level, and magnesium is needed for healthy bone & nerves. Here's an excerpt from Dr. Oz's link on magnesium for pain:

"Clinical experience, as well as research in nerve pain conditions such as pancreatic cancer, has shown that magnesium can be an effective treatment for pain. Although it is clear why magnesium can decrease muscle pain (it makes muscles relax), why it would help nerve pain was less clear. A new study on rats to be printed in The Journal of Physiology confirms our clinical experience that magnesium decreases nerve pain — while also pointing to how it works.

Posted on 9/15/2010 | Jacob Teitelbaum, MD | Comments (51)

http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/jacob-teitelbaum-md/magnesium-pain-relief

Prayers and healing thoughts headed your way!

I will add you to my prayer list. My wish for you is a speedy resolution.

So sorry for your pain! I have some lumbar stenosis, but so far letting my torso 'hang' from a kitchen counter on braced arms helps with this minor ache. (A nit compared to your troubles!) Many years ago one of my uncles rigged up his own traction device in a spare bedroom. Is there anything like that available for home use today? Would it really help when there's nothing to *keep* the vertebrae apart? Might a mechanical fix (surgery) be the only ultimate cure?

Thank you all fir your wishes, I need them. I just had a good cry, scaring the dog and my Dad.

Georgysmom, I wish your DH all the best.

Straw, I already take magnesium and vitamin D, but the test say I have plenty already.

Raven, who did your decompresion? There is a back clinic here that may do this as they say they do not use any drugs. The PT guy said I should start to feel better this weekend, so I hope he is right. I have no desire for surgery or even a scooter, I am only 55! I have a feeling that I may need a second shot.

Chisue, are you hanging on and leaning back or boosting yourself into the air and hanging? In the past I have bent forward at the waist, held on to the kitchen sink and leaned back to stretch it.

PR, the heat pack feels so good, but for the knee and shin pain (the worst) ice seems to do better. Numbs it out nicely, but I still feel the shooting pains.

Again, thank you all and keep them coming. Maybe this weekend will be the turning point.

Peppi

Laying flat on the back on the floor can help with spinal decompression. I love to lean on the kit counter, hands holding my elbows, forehead resting on my arms. I don't know if it's doctor-recommended, but it sure feels good.

Peppi, hang in there and heartfelt wishes for some release from the pain this weekend. Take care; you are right, 55 is too young for this stuff. May you soon be back to doing all the things you love to do.

I have had my nonsurgical spinal decompression done in a variety of locations. I started out in Dallas and was having it done at a neurological chiro clinic. I have had it done at physical therapy clinics also when I was having physical therapy. I currently have it done at my local clinic which has a variety of medical doctors and chiro docs. I was unable to get around at all when I started this, I had been going to see a surgeon that was scheduling me for surgery on my back, he and my primary care doc suggested I first try nonsurgical decompression therapy. I had never heard of it but was definitely willing to give a non surgical non invasive method a try, I had nothing to lose and they were ready to do surgery. My husband drove me as I laid in the back of the suv to the clinic, I had the first session and he told me I should start to feel some difference in about an hour after I got home. He was right but it was slight. I returned daily for the next 3 days. I was scheduled for my surgery on a Monday, I had my first session on Friday, by Monday I called and cancelled the surgery and was driving myself to the clinic for my next session. For me it was truly a miracle. I now know what to watch for in my back and my body to know when it is time to go in for a session or 2. It worked wonders for me that's all I can say. When I moved here one of the first things I did was locate a decompression therapy table in my area for when I would need a session.

Peppi -- I suspend myself, palms on the countertop, elbows locked, feet off the ground, and let gravity stretch me. I've resorted to this in the middle of a trek through a big box store, using whatever is the right height. It eases my back enough to get me through the shopping list and back to my car.

Raven -- Could you please describe the procedure -- what happens -- during a decompression session? I'm picturing something like 'the rack' out of "Wolf Hall". Eventually I will need more than my 'kitchen counter' remedy.

No no it's not painful at all, in fact they dim the lights turn on music if you like and I generally fall asleep during it. You stay fully clothed but I wear comfortable loose clothes and take off my shoes. It's a good sized padded bed table that has a division in the center so a top section and a bottom section. You lay down with your mid back at the division. They then use a velcro belting system around your waist, to that is hooked a strap which is also hooked to the pull mechanism. A little call button is handed to you should you need to call the assistant or stop the machine. I have them put wedges under my knees because I feel more comfortable with that. Once you have been strapped in they adjust the settings for you and it begins a timed sequence of a gentle tug and release on the strap and the division in the table allows your body to move with the tugging. It's very easy and gentle, getting a little stronger then back to the gentle tug. And finally at the end the full release back to how you were at the beginning. It last about 30 minutes. You want to be sure to go to the bathroom before they strap you in! It's not fun to stop the whole thing to go potty! I very much enjoy the process it's very relaxing and I usually do fall asleep. I just went Monday and had a session because my back was speaking to me loudly. I am much better now. Sometimes I will have 2 sessions in a week if I have waited too long. I go about every 4 to 5 months or so depending on my activities and stress. What I have been through lately definitely influenced my need for a session. I know several people who have had a similar situation and were very happy with the results however it doesn't work for everyone, pretty much like most things. I am absolutely delighted with my results and would suggest it before having a surgical procedure, it could help. Totally up to the individual.

I've had this treatment also, it was very effective for me. I only needed to be decompressed twice, a week apart and it relieved my pain from a bulging disk.

Also be aware that, when you experience pain, the body tenses which sends a message to the brain that there is pain. To counteract that, try relaxing and deep breathing when the pain is at it's worst. The mere fact that you relax your muscles can relieve some of the intense pain. Feeling pain, relax. don't tense up. Good luck, been there for years until I had 3 surgeries.

Raven -- Thanks for describing the procedure. Well...it IS sort of like 'the rack', in that you lie down and get *stretched* -- just not violently! I'm happy to know there is something short of surgery that can help. It may be helping ME one day! (Is this covered by insurance?)

Peppi -- Would your MD prescribe this for you? I hate to think of you hurting 24/7.

From what I have heard some insurance does some do not. I have had both, currently it doesn't, I pay around $80 a session. So you will have to check with your insurance and the place you are having it done. Prices vary of course. No devices of torture involved lol. I generally don't need more than 3 sessions to get back to normal, these days only one.

Hi PK,

I have no suggestions to make to aid in coping with the pain.

I

I too am wishing you well and sending prayers and good thoughts.

Sue

Been there also. Very very painful and that shooting pain down the leg. UGH!! Never tried table. I did PT & epidural injections. Sending you prayers. Get well soon!!

I have no suggestions to help you, but you are in my thoughts and prayere.

I got blocked in the message above, didn't realize that the incomplete one had been posted.

I'm sending good thoughts and hopes that you'll find remediation and healing soon, and fully, and without surgery, if possible.

Offering some prayers on your behalf.

(((((Peppi Kramer))))).

ole joyful

I did a google on the decompression and it makes sense. My insurance is Blue Cross and it does cover chiro's so I will give them a call to see if they cover it.

I did do my exercises, and it does hurt now, but not as bad as yesterday and this morning. Dad said that he thought I was moving better too. Maybe the drugs are starting. I hope so.

My United Healthcare covered it.

You will have to check with a few places to find one that has a table not all do. If you are going to physical therapy some of them have the tables. It's the best money I spend to get the relief.

Yes it does make very good sense when you understand what happens during the decompression.

Good luck!

OMG, I love the 'rack'! It very much relieved my compressed nerve pain. I had to adjust my rear view mirror every time I left my chiro!

Peppi, keep us informed....we care. My husband opted for surgery when sciatica struck a blow. He was home the same day, walking around with comfort. His surgical wound was kept covered with a 2x3 piece of gauze!

I hope that you have access to modern surgical procedures....which can be a much better option than injections.

I'm sorry you're in such pain, PK. I have had back problems for many, many years, but nothing that doesn't improve with rest, heat, walking and pilates. I hope you find relief very soon.

I found a chiro right in my neighborhood (and next to our favorite pizza parlor) that has great reviews and the decompression table plus take my insurance. I am calling them first thing Monday morning to schedule an appointment.

Thank you all for the prayers, thoughts and info. I may hurt but I feel like I won the lottery.

Good luck! I hope it's as successful for you as it has been for me. Do check with them that your insurance actually pays for decompression, mine pays for everything but that. It's certainly worth paying for though. Keep us posted.

Oh sweetie am so sorry. I live with pain everyday too. Wouldn't want anyone to suffer that way. My heart and prayers go out for you.