Foraminal narrowing (neural foraminal stenosis) is a condition in which the foramina, or the canals on either side of vertebrae, are constricted. Nerves branching off the spinal cord exit through these canals and can be compressed if the canal is constricted as the result of one or more spinal conditions.
When dealing with back and neck pain from foraminal narrowing, you might first think of taking pain medication to help alleviate your symptoms. Medication, while it can sometimes relieve pain, is chemically produced and there may be mild to severe side effects that can compromise your overall health. Alternative treatments for foraminal narrowing might be an attractive natural remedy option for many people dealing with back and neck pain. Regardless of the type of treatment you pursue, you should always consult with your doctor before starting.
Types
Alternative treatments for foraminal narrowing can include:
- Chiropractic – Chiropractors believe that the condition of the spine and nervous system influences how the body functions overall. Chiropractic spinal adjustments may help realign the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, which might temporarily reduce nerve compression.
- Aromatherapy – Inhaling the scented molecules from essential oils such as chamomile, marjoram, lavender, St. John’s Wort, and helichrysum may help alleviate symptoms by interacting with the limbic system. The limbic system components control your pain reflex, emotions, hormones, and memory storage.
- Inversion therapy – Proponents of inversion therapy believe hanging upside down or at an angle on an inversion table can decompress the spinal structures, while improving blood flow, flexibility, and posture.
- Acupuncture – Tiny stainless steel needles are inserted into energy points of the body, usually near nerves, in an attempt unblock the channels of energy throughout the body and heal illnesses.
Another Option to Consider
You may have tried alternative and conservative treatments for your foraminal narrowing symptoms. If these were unsuccessful in lessening your pain, a minimally invasive procedure offered at Laser Spine Institute might help. We offer a variety of procedures, including foraminotomies that remove the tissue or bone blocking the foramina with state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques. Contact us today and receive a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.
