Foraminal stenosis what is

Surgery is typically recommended for cervical foraminal stenosis when imaging and other diagnostic tests show that symptoms are likely to be relieved by decompressing the nerve root. Cervical Stenosis with Myelopathy. Symptoms of Cervical Stenosis with Myelopathy.

You are here Conditions Spinal Stenosis. Cervical Foraminal Stenosis share pin it Newsletters. Peer Reviewed. Cervical Spinal Stenosis Video Save. Clinical evidence of chemical radiculopathy. Pain Physician. Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Symptoms of pinched nerves due to foraminal stenosis vary depending on which part of your spine is affected. Cervical stenosis develops when the foramen of your neck narrow. Pinched nerves in your neck can cause a sharp or burning pain that starts in the neck and travels down your shoulder and arm.

Thoracic stenosis develops when the foramen in the upper portion of your back narrow. Pinched nerve roots in this part of your back can cause pain and numbness that wrap around to the front of your body. This is the least common area to be affected by foraminal stenosis. Lumbar stenosis develops when the foramen of your low back narrow. The lower back is the section of your spine most likely to be affected by foraminal stenosis. This can be felt as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the buttock, leg, and sometimes the foot.

Sciatica is a term you may have heard for this type of pain. Your pain may worsen with certain activities, like bending, twisting, reaching, coughing, or sneezing.

Arthritis and the wear and tear of daily living often lead to changes in your spine that narrow the foramen. But injury can cause stenosis as well, especially in younger people.

For example, one cause of foraminal stenosis is a bulging or herniated disk. These cushioning disks between your spinal bones can slip out of place or become damaged. The bulging disk presses on the foramen and nerve root. This is most likely to happen in your lower back.

Bone growths in and around your foramen can also pinch the nerves running through. Bone spurs form due to injury or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. If you have pain that radiates down your arm or leg or feelings of numbness that last for several days, you should see with your doctor. At your appointment, your doctor will start with a physical exam. Your doctor or the radiologist who reads your MRIs may grade the level of narrowing of your foramen.

Depending on the cause and severity of your foraminal stenosis and pinched nerves, several treatments are available to ease your discomfort. In many cases , pinched nerves — especially in the neck — will get better with no treatment other than stretching, activity modification, and pain-relieving medicines. If you have the radiating pain, numbness, and weakness of a pinched nerve, you may want to rest for a few days. Using cold packs for the first few days, followed by warm packs or a heating pad, may help ease your pain.

Stretches and special exercises can be used to stabilize your spine, improve range of motion, and open up the space for your nerve roots to pass. Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can prevent further damage.

You may want to rest for a few days. If your symptoms are bothersome, your doctor might recommend that you treat them with medications or physical therapy. Physical therapy can also help strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve your range of motion, stretch out the spine, and correct your posture. For cervical stenosis, your doctor may advise you to wear a brace called a cervical collar. This soft, padded ring allows the muscles in your neck to rest and decreases pinching of the nerve roots in your neck.

If your symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary so that your doctor can widen the neural foramen that is compressing your nerve. This surgery is minimally invasive and typically performed through an endoscope. Only a very small incision is needed by the surgeon. The procedure may include:. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occurs:. Most cases of neural foraminal stenosis improve on their own or with conservative at-home treatments, like painkillers, gentle yoga, and physical therapy.

After surgery, most people are able to get back to day-to-day life within just a couple days, but may need to avoid heavy lifting for a few months. Though foraminal surgeries are often very successful, problems with the spine are still possible in the future. You can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine, from your neck to your lower back. Read more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Follow these hacks each day to improve, protect, and straighten your spine.

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