Foraminal Stenosis: What Causes It And How’s It Treated?

When the foraminal canal around the nerves narrows, foraminal stenosis is common. The foraminal canal connects the large spinal canal to the free nerve root that travels to the shoulder, arms, hands, buttocks, thighs, and legs. This narrowing presses on the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. It usually starts slowly and worsens. These symptoms may occur in the lower back, buttocks, legs and feet, shoulders, arms, and hands, depending on where the narrowing occurs.

What is Foraminal Stenosis?

Neural Foraminal stenosis narrows the intervertebral foramen, where nerves leave the spinal canal and travel through the body. Neural means involving nerve cells or nerves and is often added to the condition’s name.

Foraminal stenosis symptoms include pain, numbness, pins and needles, tingling, and weakness as nerves are compressed. The narrowing may affect your neck nerves, causing shoulder, arm, and hand symptoms. Lower back foraminal stenosis causes buttocks, leg, and foot symptoms.

Formal Stenosis Causes

If our spine degenerates due to age or other factors, trapped debris can compress nerves exiting the foramen, narrowing the foramen. Neural foraminal stenosis impingement can kill nerves, which is serious. As spinal cord nerves die, we lose function, which can affect our senses and motor skills. Different types of foraminal stenosis exist.

Foraminal stenosis affects cervical vertebrae in the neck. Though rare, thoracic foraminal stenosis affects the upper back, particularly the shoulders and rib cage. Lumbar foraminal stenosis affects the heavy lower back. Most spinal stenosis causes are degenerative, but osteoarthritis, Paget’s disease, herniated discs, tumors, and spinal injuries can cause dislocations or fractures.

Foraminal Stenosis Signs

Foraminal stenosis symptoms may develop slowly, and some patients may not notice them. The Foraminal stenosis can cause neck pain, balance issues, loss of bowel or bladder control, ligament tingling or numbness, and weakness. These symptoms characterize cervical stenosis.

Balance problems and abdominal numbness or tingling are spinal stenosis symptoms. Abdominal weakness or pain is also possible. Sciatica and leg/foot weakness are lumbar stenosis symptoms. You may have lower back pain or tingling in your legs, feet, and buttocks. Long periods of standing or walking worsen this pain. In severe cases, cervical stenosis causes bowel or bladder control loss.

Foraminal Stenosis Diagnosis 

Your pain doctor in plano will diagnose you to determine a treatment plan. First, discuss symptoms and get a physical. The doctor will ask you to bend or show some body parts to check for numbness or loss of sensation. Show the doctor the moves that reduce or increase pain.

A physical exam includes visual and hands-on inspections. The first checks posture and skin. The second detects tenderness or spasms. Several joint mobility tests are also available. Other tests may be done. For instance, blood or imaging tests. X-rays detect bone spurs. If you suspect a pinched nerve, an MRI, CT, electromyography, or nerve conduction study can be done.

Foraminal Stenosis Treatment 

Most stenosis cases respond well to non-surgical treatment, but if your symptoms persist and the pain is affecting your quality of life, doctors may recommend a foraminotomy for foraminal stenosis. Treatment usually depends on symptom severity. Conservative treatment usually comes first.

• OTC medications like naproxen and ibuprofen, prescription drugs like oral steroids or opioid analgesics for short periods, muscle relaxers, and nerve-inflammation injections may be used.
• Avoid activities like long bed rests that can worsen your pain. Several home remedies relieve pain. Applying heat or cold to affected areas is one. Gently stretching can also relieve pain.
• Physical therapy is another option. Physical therapy aims to strengthen the spine, abdomen, buttocks, and hips; stretch tight muscles like the hamstrings; strengthen the core; and improve aerobic conditioning with gentle exercises like walking and water therapy. Massage can relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
• Pain management in plano recommends surgery or a brace to support muscles. For severe spinal stenosis, surgery to widen the foramen is recommended after conservative treatment fails. Preventing back problems is the best way to avoid back pain.
• Aerobic exercise and weightlifting strengthen the back, pelvis, and thighs, while yoga and tai chi stretch and improve flexibility.
• Spine health benefits from good nutrition. Milk and leafy greens are high in calcium and vitamin D, which can help prevent spine bone thinning and brittleness. Water intake is also important for nutrition. Water intake is important because back tissues need liquid, and many back problems result from dehydration.
• Use proper lifting techniques. Avoid waist bending. Bend your knees with a straight back and use your strong leg muscles to support the load.
• Maintain good posture while walking, sitting, standing, and sleeping. For instance, stand straight with shoulders back, abdomen in, and small or back flat. Sit with feet flat or elevated. Sleep on your side on a firm mattress.
• Invest in good gear. Using a good chair, mattress, and pillow helps you sit properly and sleep well to avoid back problems.