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• Foraminal Stenosis

What is Foraminal Stenosis?

To answer the question, What is foraminal stenosis, one must first understand the nature of general spinal stenosis. From there, one can, by extension, progress to a definition of foraminal stenosis itself.

The Narrowing of Nerve Passageways

The word stenosis comes from a Greek term meaning the narrowing of an opening. With regard to spinal anatomy, the openings refer to the small apertures in the vertebrae (known as the foramen) through which nerve roots exit. Spinal stenosis is a condition associated with aging, as it involves a gradual build-up of debris and inflammation in the spinal column that creates pressure on nerve roots, causing them to swell inside the already too-narrow canals, which in turn causes more pressure. The compression of nerve roots in this manner leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, burning/tingling sensations, or pins-and-needles sensations in the extremities. When this process involves multiple foramina (the plural of foramen), it is called foraminal stenosis (foraminal derives from the plural, not the singular). In other words, it is spinal stenosis that specifically affects multiple foramina.

Treatment Options

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Ordinarily, the nerve roots have plenty of space in the foramina and no pressure is created. The build-up of debris over time can not only cause foraminal stenosis, but could eventually cause nerve death and resulting loss of function if left untreated. Thus, though most cases of foraminal stenosis are not urgent, they certainly warrant examination and treatment. Most conservative treatment options offer little relief from severe symptoms; behavioral changes and traction sometimes provide some relief, but a percentage of patients continue to experience symptoms.

If you are experiencing severe foraminal stenosis symptoms and your doctor has determined that surgery is the only way to treat them, consider Laser Spine Institute (LSI). We are well-known as the worldwide leader in minimally invasive laser-assisted techniques designed to treat spine ailments without the inherent risks, costs, and drawbacks of conventional open back surgery. Contact LSI today to arrange a free review of your CT scan or MRI and to learn more about our revolutionary outpatient procedures.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.