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• Foraminal Stenosis Risk Factors

Foraminal Stenosis Risk Factors

If you’re already suffering from foraminal stenosis, understanding the risk factors may be valuable information that can help you slow the progression of the condition. It is also useful for people with perfectly healthy spines to identify conditions and behaviors that can make them susceptible to foraminal stenosis in the future. Foraminal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the foramina, or openings on either side of each vertebra through which spinal nerves pass as they exit the spinal cord. “Foramen” also may refer to the opening in the stacked vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes; this opening can experience narrowing, too, which may cause painful compression on the spinal cord.

The Details of Risk Factors

When the foramina in the spinal column narrow, there is a danger that the residing spinal nerves will become painfully compressed. A variety of factors increase the risk of developing foraminal stenosis and neural compression, including:

• Age
• Obesity
• Degenerative diseases
• Genetics
• Spinal conditions like bulging discs, herniated discs, arthritis, and bone spurs

Preventing Foraminal Stenosis

While some foraminal stenosis risk factors cannot be avoided, other lifestyle changes can support a healthy spine, including:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Always practice good posture

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Alternative Treatments for Stenosis

In the majority of cases, symptoms of foraminal stenosis can be managed with conservative treatments. Physical therapy, low-impact exercise, hot/cold therapy, and over-the-counter analgesics have proven successful at minimizing pain, weakness, and tingling that result from neural compression. If weeks or months of non-operative therapy do not prove effective, contact Laser Spine Institute. Our minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures have helped tens of thousands of people rediscover lives without back pain.

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