I can so relate to your worry and concern. It's very hard to watch them be in so much pain and feel there is nothing that can be done short of surgery. My SO has the stenosis, plus other problems (5 bulging discs, 2 herniated discs, scoliosis, stenosis and osteoarthritis of spine). He's resisting the surgery angle for as long as he can.

A suggestion for your hubby.....if he can try acupuncture for the pain. It won't fix the problem, but for the pain - it makes it manageable. And it's really doesn't hurt. My SO has accupuncture every 4 weeks and it has helped him unmeasurably. He was very skeptical at first, but after watching our dachshund go through acupuncture and get better, Dick changed his tune. That was three years ago and he swears by it now to help manage the pain. Just the change in his outlook has made it worth it.