Pain and discomfort from lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) can rob you of the ability to perform simple daily activities. It can steal your energy and your independence. And while oral medications can help mask the pain, their side effects can present other issues that impact your quality of life. If you’re living with LSS, you know more about these things than anyone. That’s why it’s important for you to remember what your life was like before LSS—and to assess how comfortable you are with the ways it has changed.

Daily activities

Every day with LSS is different. Varying degrees of pain may affect your ability to shop, drive, cook, or even get dressed. It can interrupt your sleep, leaving you in a fog the next day. Some days, the pain can make it difficult to work—or even prevent you from getting to work. All of this can take a serious emotional toll.

LSS forced Charles into early retirement.	Nighttime pain and spasms left Michel exhausted.	The pain made teaching almost impossible.
Home life LSS can disrupt your normal home life. Normal activities like shopping, laundry, and yard work can be challenging. If you reach a point where you’re in too much pain, you could suddenly find yourself dependent on others to accommodate your needs.	Relationships LSS doesn’t just change your life; it affects those around you, too. Driving your kids or grandkids, attending family events, dancing or being romantic with your spouse—they’re all important moments you don’t want to miss.	Hobbies and leisure Losing the ability to enjoy your favorite pastimes is one of the toughest parts of dealing with LSS. Pain can severely limit the pleasure you once got from activities like gardening, sports, travel, entertaining, and other interests.
LSS robbed Judith of her ability to garden.	LSS came between Judith and her grandkids.	Michel talks about the fear of facing disability.
Health issues It’s important to be aware of all the health problems you face with LSS. Being less active means your heart and lungs may not get the workout they need to stay strong. You may gain weight. This lack of activity may lead to obesity and could eventually result in cardiovascular and other serious health problems.Weight gain can also aggravate your back and leg pain.13 With LSS, your mood may suffer. In fact, depression is one of the most common problems for people with chronic pain.3 Other effects of LSS, such as a lack of sleep or daily frustrations, can increase your anxiety and stress levels, too.
Kathy describes her reliance on pain medications.	Charles remembers how LSS crushed his spirit.