Oh dear - so sorry you are suffering like this, chisue.

Can't help with personal experience, but I do think it's a good idea to try less invasive/traumatic therapies first, before surgery.

I have a genetic pinch in my spine, and I swear by PT. Did more to relieve my pain than opiates.

My condition (spondylolisthesis): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10302-spondylolisthesis

So sorry to hear you're going through this. We have two good friends who have had surgery for spinal stenosis. In both cases, while there was some relief early on, the pain eventually came back. However, one friend has had longstanding relief from taking up Pilates, recommended by his PT.

they often attempt PT before recommending surgery. you may be one of the fortunate ones it helps ....

Starting with physical therapy is standard of care. Back surgery should not be taken lightly or rushed into; many patients get worse after back surgery.

Stretching and strengthening the core muscles can improve posture and decrease symptoms by taking pressure off the nerve root.

Good info, please read: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/physical-therapy-as-good-as-surgery-and-less-risky-for-one-type-of-lower-back-pain-201504097863

I think the idea is to increase muscle strength and flexibility so that the muscles can do more of the work of supporting your body which eases compression on the bones, and the added flexibility allows for the bones to make micro movements into positions that can also alleviate pressure on the disks and nerves.

However, if it's a structural issue, then probably only a structural solution will help meaning surgery. The problem with that is that only about half of the spinal surgeries are successful in alleviating pain. That's why nonsurgical techniques are so desirable first, as if they work, the surgery may be avoided altogether.

I had 6weeks of PT for compression of the spine through my neck, bulging discs etc. I was 50 the doc said my neck was more like an 80yr old. The PT told me I needed to strengthen my core so it could help support my spine. All I can tell you is it worked. The chronic pain went away--for good, no surgery. That was over 10 years ago.

I'm very glad arcy had a positive outcome and I welcome the opportunity to agree with her. PT can be the ticket for many.

I also have lumbar spinal stenosis in several spots along with a few other structural engineering problems. I've seen a physiatrist a few times, a guy who works in an orthopedic surgeon practice. Physiatry is the more recent term used for MDs specializing in what is also called Physical Medicine. Some focus on treating back problems in a non-surgical way.

After my MRI diagnosis, the doc told me (as arcy) that building abdominal core strength and also attention to posture and movement would make a big difference. PT was the road to get there. That was nearly 20 years ago and I've been fine ever since. I'm not as attentive to core strength as I used to be but I pay very close attention to my posture and movements. No doubt in more extreme cases, building and maintaining core strength are essential to do and perhaps in chisue's case, may not be enough.

Good luck chisue, there's nothing to lose but give it a solid try.

Your skeleton is not just something to hold you up, it is for muscle and ligament attachment and that needs to be in balance. Each part pulling or connecting balanced by its opposite. So you need PT to get it all back working again.

I also have spinal stenosis, along with arthritis and several bulging and herniated discs, not sure offhand what else. Back in 2014 I could barely move and was told in no uncertain terms that I needed surgery. I said I wanted to try conservative methods and was told ”fine, see you when you can’t take it anymore.” I put it off for many months as I was waiting for open enrollment to switch insurance plans and see a highly recommended surgeon, lots of rest in those months (I worked by lying on the floor and had laptop tied to the underside of my dining table) and gradually could move a bit and started PT. It helped a lot and here I am.

I cannot say how much of my condition was attributed to the stenosis but as a general statement I recommend trying PT.

I’ll also say that I’d like to understand the condition and treatments better. Last August my father lost use of his left leg, among other issues. They blamed the leg issue on stenosis, given his age (92) and weakness they wouldn’t operate, so he spent his last ten months in a bed. Not how I’d prefer to end my days.

FOAS, my friend who is in her 90s is completely bedridden from stenosis due to arthritis which impacted one leg for many years but she was able to get around with a brace. She did have a couple of surgeries for it and it's questionable how much they helped. But over time, it impacted her other leg and now she's stuck. But thank goodness, she has the most positive and upbeat attitude ever.

I have an assortment of back, shoulder and hip issues related to osteoarthritis as well as simple aging (bulging discs, facet joint syndrome, stenosis in the neck etc etc). As others have said, the point of physio is to strengthen the core muscles so they can better support the back. My physiotherapist designed a series of regular programs for me to do at home, plus sent me to hydrotherapy, which was (and is) particularly helpful. The point is to get you into a regular exercise program designed for your issues, which you follow on your own at home. I've been working with a physio on and off for several years now. Physio plus hydro has virtually eliminated my back issues and also enabled me to bounce back from a hip replacement in no time at all. I don't see the physio all that often these days, but I still do hydro on a regular basis. Haven't needed so much as a Tylenol for back or neck pain in a year or so. I'm in my early 70s, BTW.

Even if you eventually have the operation, the physio done beforehand will assist in your recovery. Please try it.

"Even if you eventually have the operation, the physio done beforehand will assist in your recovery."

Yes! You will need those stronger and more flexible muscles for you to recover, especially if you have weaker or thinner bones. They will need to help carry the weight while you heal, and help ease your post-surgery back into handling more. You cannot fix the bones without the help of your muscles, so get them ready. If PT turns out to be all you need, even better (back surgery should never be your first option, in my opinion).

The exercises might very well be doing more than you can see from a video.

I have been researching spinal decompression for my back issues, which include stenosis and other issues. Sounds promising and non invasive. I have also refused surgery so far.

I'm sure sorry you're having such a tough time and for such a long time, Chisue. I hope PT and/or some light pilates will help your situation.

I have arthritic lower spine and hip joints. I was sent to PT for about 3 weeks. The Therapists deigned and evaluated 6 exercises. I continued those at home until my condition reduced. Those exercises did help. I have been relatively free of pain for 2 years. It has been a year since I did the last exercise set. I am beginning to develop stiffness again and will resume those exercises. I was skeptical at first, but PT was the best choice.

One more comment, if I may.

In your OP you said: "I've looked at this type of exercise online and do not see how they can possibly do more than briefly relieve the pain of stenosis crushing nerves in my lumbar and sacral regions."

A good physiotherapist will design an individual exercise program specifically for you and your needs and for your level of ability/disability. Think of it as an architect-designed program rather than one put out by a tract builder 😉

He/she will give you a regular program to do at home every day. She might recommend some inexpensive aids (I have a "spiky ball" that works wonders on ultra tight hip and back muscles). Something as simple as sleeping on my back with a pillow under my knees to change my back posture at night helped me quite a bit. Remember, the whole objective is to make your muscles carry more of the load, and over time, that will indeed help with pain levels. It's not like a drug, so don't expect instant relief, but it will help, and if worst comes to worst, it will make you better prepared for surgery.

I have spinal stenosis. I am not doing surgery. My right thigh is numb. Doing Yoga is often painful...so not ALL exercise works for me. Yet, running gives me some relief.

All RIGHT! (You can fill in the other two if you are a fan of his. LOL)

You've convinced me. Now to find a good fit with a PT. (Finding a Physiatrist is 'needle in the haystack' from my casual perusal, Elmer.)

I asked on my NextDoor and got about twenty different recommendations for a PT. I'm tossing those that involve big chains offering therapy that sound like a production line, all happy smiles and less professional work. The surgeon told me to select someone who would work with me, not pass me off to some 'assistant' to supervise the exercises.

Consider yourselves thanked and hugged!

Actually the production line was was fine for me for a while. Cost was a factor, copay $6 vs $50 for the more individualized PT. Going a few times a week, it added up.

I'll just add that Dr. O'Toole was encouraged that despite the scoliosis, my posture and alignment of head over spine are excellent and my gait is good. I'm up to 105 lbs., so that's a plus. Provided I can get pain relief -- and new infusions against the MM continue to be developed, I might be sitting at the KT a while longer.

Just remember that your ailments can not be fixed with one PT appointment or doing the exercises just once. This is a long term commitment but it is for your health and it's to prevent an operation. Developing a strong core and flexible joints is never a bad thing, especially as we age.

Also when looking for PT look to see if any of them have some sort of a gym.

The one that I go to has a gym with equipment manned by Human Kinetic grads. The PT gives them the exercises pertinent to my particular issue of the day (usually an overuse issue from running). They make sure that you are doing everything correctly with positioning and alignment so that when you are doing them at home you will be doing them properly. Just a thought to consider when choosing.

Good Luck.

I agree with what blfenton said. Someone else also memtioned Pilates. If you have the means, check out a good instructor who might be able to give you individual instruction. Mine has helped numerous people with various mulcular-skeletal issues and injuries (and she is a long-distance runner and horse rider as well). She understand and instructs based on her vast knowledge of body mechanics. Something to consoder anyway.

Check around and make sure you get a PT that specializes in back or stenosis issues.

It is my opinion (not verified or in line with medical things) that alcohol can cure a lot of things!!