[trkdoc714]

Gil,

I have a few levels of stenosis. Stenosis itself can come from a few different sources, bone growth inside the spinal canal, foraminal canal bone growth or a combination of either of these along with disc narrowing. You'll hear definites such as "if you get pain while leaning back, it's stenosis, leaning forward, it's a disc issue." This statement is only true in certain instances.

My spinal canal measurements are within "normal" range but in conjunction with the reduced disc height and foraminal narrowing, the dynamics make my cauda equina look more like a snake than a horses tail. This is why I have had so many diagnosis for fusion and laminectomies and I've passed on all of them. They only treat one or two parts of a three part problem.

I'm guessing that if disc height can be restored or at least improved, the twists and turns will straighten out sort of like stretching out a coiled up garden hose.

Good luck to you and keep researching,

Bob