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Originally Posted by redjune
Can anyone tell me, are the symptons for Spinal Stenosis always the same?
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No, according to Wiki:
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Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal (the opening in each vertebra through which the spinal cord passes) that may occur in any of the regions of the spine. This narrowing causes a restriction to the spinal cord, resulting in a neurological deficit. Symptoms include pain, numbness, pins and needles and loss of motor control. The location of the stenosis determines which area of the body is affected.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_stenosis
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I have stenosis in my cervical vertebrae (neck) which gives me pain in my neck, shoulders, chronic headaches, and sometimes telegraphs symptoms further down my back (shoulderblades) and arms.
Symptoms will be different, depending on location, degree, and severity of the stenosis and resultant pressure on the chord and branching nerves. Areas affected correspond roughly to this chart (which deals with nerves in the skin).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatome_(anatomy)
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Im not sure that my work believe[s] me. Because you can't see a back problem you are considered to be 'putting it on' here.
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That happens, but it's not right, and may be illegal. One of the worst stigmas endured by pain patients is not being believed. Your employers, being educators themselves, need to be educated about chronic pain. September is
Pain Awareness Month, but any time will do. If you have any issues/limitations at work (they don't even necessarily have to costitute WC or Disability) your doctor should write a note/letter to whom it may concern spelling them out. It doesn't have to be specific about dx details; they are confidential between you and your doctor, but for example, if you shouldn't lift heavy objects, he can put that in (specifying weight or bulk), etc. Your union rep should also be able to help/guide you with this too. If it gets to the point that they are creating a hostile work environment, it is illegal. E.G.
Derogatory or intimidating references to an employee’s mental or physical impairment
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/unde...ment-fcc-staff
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