Foraminal stenosis is a condition where nerves are pinched or severed due to the narrowing of small openings between vertebrae in the spine. Arthritis, bulging discs, and congenital deformities are common causes. Mild cases can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy, while severe cases may require surgery. Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the problem. Diagnosis involves physical exams and X-rays, and treatment options vary depending on the extent of the problem.
Between each vertebrae in the spine are small openings, called foramina, where nerves divide from the spinal cord and travel to other parts of the body. Foraminal stenosis is a condition in which one or more foramina narrow to the point that nerves are pinched or severed, causing numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the back or legs. Many different factors can contribute to foraminal stenosis, but the most common causes are arthritis, bulging discs, and congenital deformities. Anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy can often remedy mild cases of strictures, although a serious problem may require surgery to prevent permanent complications.
Foraminal stenosis can occur in a person of any age, although the condition is more common among adults over the age of 60 due to the natural degeneration of bone and cartilage. Primary stenosis, the congenital form of the condition, is usually detected in early childhood in patients who have chronic back pain or difficulty with motor movements. Foraminal stenosis can also occur if a person has a herniated disc due to excessive pressure on the back, such as when trying to lift a heavy object. The condition can affect any of several dozen foramina in the spine, although most cases appear in the lowest section of the vertebrae called the lumbar region.
Symptoms of foraminal stenosis depend on the location and severity of the problem. Mild stenosis is often the more painful variety, as the nerves are not fully compressed and can still transmit pain signals to the brain. A person with a mild stricture is likely to experience pain radiating to the lower back, buttocks, and one or both legs. Severe foraminal stenosis can cause numbness or tingling in the back and legs, especially when sitting or standing for long periods of time. Any numbness or abnormal pain should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible so that appropriate measures can be taken to relieve symptoms.
A doctor can spot foraminal stenosis by conducting a physical exam and taking X-rays of the spine. Imaging tests may reveal the presence of a herniated disc, bone deformity, or age-related deterioration. Once your doctor knows the extent of the problem, she can prescribe the best treatment option. Mild cases are often relieved by reducing inflammation and swelling in the spine with medication. A patient with a herniated disc or arthritis can be scheduled for physical therapy sessions to regain strength and flexibility.
Congenital deformities and cases of severe compression typically require surgery. An experienced surgeon can make an incision in the back, rearrange or trim excess bone tissue, and fuse the vertebrae together to prevent further narrowing. If possible, the nerves, cartilage and ligament tissue are repaired. The outlook for patients undergoing stricture surgery varies, but most people eventually regain some or all of their mobility after months of intensive physical therapy.
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