Beginning as a young girl and continuing well into my forties, I was very active physically, leading an athletic lifestyle. When I entered menopause and became middle-aged, my body began to break down in ways I was not happy about.
As a result of playing through the pain in my younger years, unfortunately, I now have pain and injuries that I must attend to immediately. Injuries and conditions which include the following, but are not limited to:
- Torn meniscus right knee
- Torn meniscus left knee
- Sciatica in left lower back
- Tendonitis in left front hip/groin area
- Spinal stenosis in neck
- Tendonitis/arthritis in left hand, thumb, and wrist
- Overworked and strained pelvic floor muscles
- Impingement in left shoulder
- Bursitis and scar tissue buildup in right shoulder
- Bunyon on right foot
I have had multiple rounds of physical therapy for my shoulders, knees and back that strengthened the muscles surrounding these areas to assist in improving their everyday functioning and increase mobility.
For the spinal stenosis, I have sought out red light therapy, acupuncture sessions and dry needling therapies. I have utilized these types of treatments in addition to chiropractic medicine for my other injuries as well.
According to Spinal Surgery News, “Researchers led by Professor Zubair Ahmed used cell models of SCI to determine the frequency and duration of light required to achieve maximum restoration of function and stimulate nerve cell regrowth.
They found that delivery of red light at a wavelength of 660nm for one minute a day increased cell viability (a measurement of the number of live cells) by 45% over five days of treatment.
Professor Ahmed said: ‘Excitingly, this aspect of the study showed the effect of 660nm light was both neuroprotective, meaning it improved survival of nerve cells, and neuroregenerative, meaning it stimulated nerve cell growth.’
The researchers also investigated the effect of light therapy in preclinical models of SCI. Here they used two different methods, an implantable device and transcutaneous delivery, where the light source is placed against the skin. Their study showed comparable results for both delivery methods, with a one-minute dose of 660nm light, delivered daily for seven days, resulting in reduced tissue scarring at the site of injury, and significant functional recovery.
The researchers also found significant reductions in both cavities and scarring as well as increases in the levels of proteins associated with nerve cell regeneration and improvements in the connections between cells in the injured area of the spine,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
Pelvic floor disorders
After seeking non-surgical options like physical therapy, correcting my posture while sitting in front of the computer for my job, utilizing anti-inflammatory (non-NSAIDs) and nerve pain blocker medications, as well as targeted exercises to relieve that nerve pressure, I found I needed something more to help with the pain without using opiates or other addictive medications.
However, the typical routes of relief were not working for my pelvic floor pain. Because I have a sensitive stomach and diverticulitis, I cannot tolerate the usual NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), so I had to seek out another form of treatment. In severe cases, epidural injections or surgery may be considered.
Thankfully, I was referred by my pelvic floor physical therapist to a urology-gynecologist whose solution was to use trigger point injections into the different pelvic muscles.
Initially, I went into my doctor’s office, but I could NOT handle that pain!! Normally, I have a high tolerance for pain, but for me, this pain was even worse than childbirth. It is a good thing that my doctor allows her patients to have this procedure done at the hospital and under sedation! And it relieved the pain for more than four months.
In addition, I have implemented these actions into my daily routine:
- Work with a therapist to identify and manage triggers that could worsen symptoms
- Acupuncture
- Weight training three days a week, to include fifteen minutes on the stationary bike for low-impact cardio because of my injured knees, and focusing on strengthening my core and upper body for another forty-five minutes
- Massage therapy (using a hydromassage bed at the gym after each workout)
- Supplement and vitamin therapy (Once daily vitamin for women, probiotics for women, melatonin, calcium, magnesium, and zinc vitamin combo, vitamin C, vitamin D3)
- Eat a healthy diet
- End each day with a jacuzzi bath for fifteen minutes – turn off jets – add Epsom salt, and soak for at least twenty more minutes while practicing meditation and prayer during soaking time to include calming music, essential oils, and burning non-toxic soy candles
What diseases cause pelvic pain?
It’s also worth mentioning that chronic pelvic pain can be caused by various diseases and conditions, such as appendicitis, colon cancer, constipation, Crohn’s disease, and more. Pelvic pain or pressure can also be associated with ovarian and uterine cancers. If you experience pelvic pain along with other symptoms like frequent urination, constipation, or any unusual changes, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
The Mayo Clinic reports that, “Many types of diseases and other health conditions can cause pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain can be due to more than one condition.
Some pelvic pain also can come from certain muscles or ligaments — for example, by pulling a muscle in the hip or the pelvic floor.
Pelvic pain also might be caused by irritation of nerves in the pelvis.
Pregnancy complications might lead to pelvic pain, including:
- Ectopic pregnancy — when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus.
- Miscarriage — the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
- Placental abruption — when the organ that brings oxygen and nutrients to the baby separates from the inner wall of the uterus.
- Preterm labor — when the body gets ready to give birth too early.
- Stillbirth — the loss of a pregnancy after 20 weeks,”.
The type of pelvic floor pain I experienced was due to nerve irritation, a pulled muscle that connects my hip and leg, as well as preterm labor. The pregnancy with my youngest son had to be induced three weeks early since I was borderline gestational diabetic. By the way, the Pitocin-induced labor was awful!
How do you fix spinal stenosis without surgery
In conclusion, healing spinal stenosis without surgery requires a personalized, multi-pronged approach—blending therapies like red light, acupuncture, and physical rehab with lifestyle changes that support long-term mobility, pain relief, and overall wellness.