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What Is Foraminal Stenosis?

Foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the foraminal spaces in the spine, where the spinal nerves exit. When these spaces shrink, the nerves can become compressed or pinched, resulting in discomfort, pain, or neurological symptoms. It can occur in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back) and may affect one or multiple nerve roots, leading to a variety of symptoms.

Doctor pointing to a spine model while a patient holds their lower back in pain during a consultation

How Does Foraminal Stenosis Affect the Body?

Foraminal stenosis causes narrowing around the nerve roots, which can lead to various symptoms depending on the location of the affected nerves. For example:

  • In the cervical spine, it may result in neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands.
  • In the lumbar spine, patients may experience lower back pain, sciatica (pain radiating down the leg), or muscle weakness in the legs.

Over time, untreated foraminal stenosis can cause persistent pain and may lead to loss of function in the affected limbs.

What Causes Foraminal Stenosis?

Foraminal stenosis is most commonly caused by:

Aging

As people age, the spine naturally undergoes degenerative changes. Disc degeneration, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments can contribute to narrowing the foramen.

Degenerative Disc Disease

The breakdown of the spinal discs can lead to the collapse of the space between vertebrae, causing the foramina to shrink.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc can bulge into the foraminal space, compressing nearby nerves.

Bone Spurs

Excess bone growth, often due to osteoarthritis, can develop around the vertebrae, narrowing the foramen.

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Symptoms of Foraminal Stenosis

The symptoms of foraminal stenosis vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the neck, back, arms, or legs
  • Numbness or tingling in the affected limbs
  • Muscle weakness in the arms, hands, or legs
  • Difficulty walking or maintaining balance (in severe cases)

If left untreated, these symptoms may worsen over time, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.

Treatment Options for Foraminal Stenosis

Treatment for foraminal stenosis typically begins with non-surgical options, but surgery may be considered in more severe cases. Common treatments include:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and alleviating pressure on the spinal nerves.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, or corticosteroid injections can help manage pain and inflammation.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Procedures like epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks can provide temporary relief from symptoms.

Surgical Options

In severe cases, surgical treatments like a laminectomy or foraminotomy may be performed to relieve nerve compression by removing part of the vertebra or disc material.

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Why Choose Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute?

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of foraminal stenosis, offering both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to your individual needs. Led by Dr. Michael Gerling and supported by Dr. Zorica Buser, our team combines cutting-edge medical techniques with compassionate care to help patients achieve the best outcomes.

If you’re struggling with foraminal stenosis or experiencing symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness, contact our team today to schedule a consultation. We are committed to helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life through personalized, effective treatments.

Our Locations

Gerling Spinecare & Research Institute consists of NY Orthopedics & Gerling Institute NJ. Two practices, one standard of excellence.

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We're here to help you move forward.

Relief starts with quality orthopedic care. Contact us today to take the next step toward a more active, pain-free life.

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