Living Well with Spinal Stenosis
A Message for Family Members and Caregivers
Pain Is Invisible
The pain of spinal stenosis cannot be seen from the outside.
- "Is it really that bad?"
- "Aren't you exaggerating?"
- "Maybe it's all in your head?"
These thoughts may cross your mind.
But chronic pain is real. The person living with it is the one suffering the most.
How to Support Your Loved One
| What you can do | How |
|---|---|
| Listen | Don't dismiss their pain |
| Acknowledge what they can do | "You managed that — well done" |
| Don't push too hard | "Try harder" can sometimes add to the burden |
| Problem-solve together | Find daily life adjustments as a team |
| Take care of yourself | Your own health matters, too |
Things You Can Do Together
- Go for walks together
- Accompany them to medical appointments
- Share household tasks
- Research treatment options together
- Listen to the doctor's explanations side by side