MRI scan report says central canal stenosis appears to be most severe at L3/4 in comparison to the degree and severity at L4/5. This is almost certainly causing neural compression of the traversing nerve roots bilaterally at the levels L3/4 and L4/5. Have problems peeing and now use ISC and take mixture of 25 analgesics a day plus oramorph 2 hourly if needed and am still in pain if I stand for a few minutes or walk 50 yards. Can you suggest alternative treatment. Do I need to get second opinion?
Hello. Thanks for asking from Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. The canal stenosis at L3/4 and L4/5 involves nerves which supply urinary bladder, bowel, leg and foot. Your symptoms are due to compression of these nerves. You can take second opinion for evaluation of your symptoms and can get tests done for nerve function evaluation like nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG). This will help in confirming diagnosis. Coming to the treatment of lumbar canal stenosis, it can be treated by: Medical treatment like painkillers which you are already taking.  Surgical decompression of spine by removing bone and thick ligaments compressing nerves like laminectomy or rhinoplasty. It is done if medical treatment fails, compression leads to focal deficit. You can discuss it with your doctor. Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.