Question 1

can alcohol make spinal stenosis worse?

Accepted Answer

No: Though alcohol is probably not a major factor, it is a toxin to the nervous system and impedes healing.

Question 2

can a soft mattress make my  spinal stenosis worse?

Accepted Answer

It may: Firm mattresses have traditionally been felt to be better for people for back problems, but there really is no data that definitively proves this to be true. Firmer mattresses may be helpful to some, but testing out a mattress first may be the best way to find out what is helpful to you.

Question 3

what the difference from spinal stenosis and lateral recess stenosis ? and is one worse than the other? thanxx

Accepted Answer

Theybare both a : Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to compression of neural tissue with spinal stenosis being a more global term usually reflecting a narrowing of the main spinal canal while lateral recess stenosis refers to the side edges of the canal similar to the areas a pitched roof would join to the walls of a house.

Question 4

beginning 3 days ago,ive had lower back pain that has been getting worse each day. this has happened before and eventually goes away again,but it can getso bad i can barely move.i have cervical spinal stenosis but not sure its causing this.thanks! ?

Accepted Answer

May be  not: You are describing a different issue that still needs to be evaluated given your history, better see your doctor for more history and physical examination, it may just be a pinched nerve or a bad posture problem, wish you well

Question 5

can sexual activities like ejaculation and orgasm cause worsening symptoms in patients with spinal stenosis , herniated disc , bulging disc ?

Accepted Answer

Nothing permanent: Activity can affect these diseases but usually for the better. Exercise helps the problems but only a little. 
Bulging discs are rarely symptomatic so have at it.

Question 6

spinal stenosis for 2 yrs. ..have developed slight bladder and bowel leakage.  lots of trouble walking.  wondering if it is worse.

Accepted Answer

Spinal stenosis: Yes you are describing what is termed "neurogenic claudication" - this means the stenosis is getting worse. I would see a back surgeon for further evaluation

Question 7

have spinal stenosis & degenerative disc disease.  prescribed norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) 10 but the pain is either getting worse or i'm developing tolerance.  suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Epidural: You need to see pain management (an Anesthesiologist).  They can perform an epidural steroid shot to the region of stenosis.  When stenosis gets worse, surgical intervention has to occur.

Question 8

i have worsening severe narrowing spinal stenosis at the l3 l4 and l2 l3 levels. i also have partial bone-on-bone on both knees. at times when i walk, my legs buckle . would you think this is caused from the knees or the back issues?

Accepted Answer

: That symptom is more likely from L2-L4 spinal stenosis.

Question 9

blood oxygen at 73 no breath very weak started about a month ago and steadily getting worse , going from one room to the next i need to rest to move again, lungs are clear heart fine but in a lot of pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis and four vertebrae bo

Accepted Answer

Smoker? COPD?: Blood oximetry at 73% is generally not good news. It points to a problem with ur lung or heart. Were u ever a smoker? That cd explain breathing &amp; back problems. U may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which comes from yrs of smoking. See ur doctor quickly to get diagnosed. While COPD damage cannot be reversed, ur symptoms can b treated w/ inhalers, &amp; oximetry improved. Don't smoke!

Question 10

mri-t12-l1 l4-l5 l5-s1 disk protrusion no nerve impingement or spinal stenosis. left low back buttock leg pain 3 wks. foot cold tingling. worse when sitting standing walking. 10 days steriod no help?

Accepted Answer

Still pinched nerve: What is missing is complete history and in your case, more importantly, your exam. An emg/ncs by Rehab Dr. or Neurologist may show which nerves. MRI performed with flexion/extension films may show different results. MRI not perfect. They are a picture. You are more than a picture.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can alcohol make spinal stenosis worse

A member asked:

Can alcohol make spinal stenosis worse?

A member asked:

Can a soft mattress make my spinal stenosis worse?

A member asked:

What the difference from spinal stenosis and lateral recess stenosis ? and is one worse than the other? thanxx

A member asked:

Beginning 3 days ago,ive had lower back pain that has been getting worse each day. this has happened before and eventually goes away again,but it can getso bad i can barely move.i have cervical spinal stenosis but not sure its causing this.thanks! ?

A member asked:

Can sexual activities like ejaculation and orgasm cause worsening symptoms in patients with spinal stenosis , herniated disc , bulging disc ?

A member asked:

Spinal stenosis for 2 yrs. ..have developed slight bladder and bowel leakage. lots of trouble walking. wondering if it is worse.

A member asked:

Have spinal stenosis & degenerative disc disease. prescribed norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) 10 but the pain is either getting worse or i'm developing tolerance. suggestions?

A member asked:

I have worsening severe narrowing spinal stenosis at the l3 l4 and l2 l3 levels. i also have partial bone-on-bone on both knees. at times when i walk, my legs buckle . would you think this is caused from the knees or the back issues?

A member asked:

Blood oxygen at 73 no breath very weak started about a month ago and steadily getting worse , going from one room to the next i need to rest to move again, lungs are clear heart fine but in a lot of pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis and four vertebrae bo

A member asked:

Mri-t12-l1 l4-l5 l5-s1 disk protrusion no nerve impingement or spinal stenosis. left low back buttock leg pain 3 wks. foot cold tingling. worse when sitting standing walking. 10 days steriod no help?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?