Foramen

The word foramen is used to describe any narrow opening or canal in the body’s anatomy. In the spine, the foramina are small canals that allow nerves that have branched off the spinal cord to extend out of the spinal column. Situated between the vertebrae, these narrow passageways protect the nerves from being compressed by nearby tissue. However, over the years, the foramen can become constricted and cause painful nerve compression that will often require treatment.

Foraminal Stenosis

Foraminal stenosis is a common degenerative spine condition that often occurs as a result of nothing more than the natural aging process. Over the years, regular wear and tear takes its toll on the spinal anatomy and the structure begins to deteriorate. The intervertebral discs that cushion the spine bulge and rupture, the facet joints that interlock vertebrae become arthritic, bone spurs develop, ligaments become calcified, and soft tissue weakens and inflames. These symptoms aren’t necessarily symptomatic, surprisingly enough, but when they clog or constrict the foramen and result in the compression of a spinal nerve, a number of painful symptoms can arise, including:

• Local pain
• Traveling pain
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• A feeling of pins and needles
• Soreness

Treatment

Treating foraminal stenosis can oftentimes be difficult because the narrowing of the canal is typically the result of years of deterioration. In most cases, doctors will first attempt to take pressure off of the compressed nerve and alleviate pain with a series of conservative treatments, such as exercises, hot or cold compresses, and the use of pain medication, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants. In the event that the patient does not respond to noninvasive treatment, surgery may be recommended to recreate space in the foramen for the nerve to exist unimpeded.

If you are considering spinal surgery to treat foraminal stenosis, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how one of our revolutionary, outpatient endoscopic procedures might be just the thing you need to find relief from back and neck pain.