So your back pain and other symptoms have been diagnosed as a result of foraminal stenosis – a narrowing of the openings (the foramina) through which spinal nerves exit the spinal canal. But how exactly is this spinal condition causing your symptoms, and how can it be treated?
Causes of Foraminal Stenosis
This condition is the result of compression of the spinal nerves exiting the spine through spaces between the vertebrae called foramina (or singular, foramen). This compression can be caused by injury, but is often related to a number of degenerative spine conditions, including:
- Bone spurs – These smooth excess growths can impinge upon spinal nerves.
- Herniated or bulging discs – Degenerative disc disease and the natural degradation of the intervertebral discs over time can exert pressure on spinal nerves as the discs bulge or even burst open.
- Spinal arthritis – Degeneration of spinal joints (facet joints) can also lead to foraminal stenosis.
- And others
Symptoms
Foraminal stenosis and the pressure it places on your spinal nerves can result in a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain traveling along the nerve
- A “pins and needles” feeling
- And others
Treatment Options
One of the first questions you’ll likely have for your doctor when discussing your foraminal stenosis is, “How can I treat it?” Typically, the answer involves any of a variety of conservative, nonsurgical options such as medications, physical therapy, exercise, and more. However, for a small percentage of patients, surgery becomes an option. If you’ve failed to see a reduction in your symptoms after weeks or months of conservative treatments, contact Laser Spine Institute today. We’ve helped tens of thousands of patients rediscover their lives without neck or back pain through our variety of safe, effective endoscopic procedures.
