Foraminal Narrowing Symptoms,Causes & Treatments

Nerves exit the spine through narrowed foramen. This can be caused by arthritis, bone spurs, spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, or other conditions. Narrow canals pinch nerves, causing pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. Neural foraminal narrowing causes radiating pain along the nerve and numbness, tingling, or weakness in the muscle group innervated by the nerve.

Foraminal Stenosis

Foraminal stenosis narrows spinal cord nerve exits. This type of spinal stenosis affects the neural foramen, which are openings on both sides of your spine. Formal stenosis is like an electrical cord wedged between a door and frame when closed. Pressure on the cord can damage its electrical conductivity. Foraminal stenosis also presses nerves. That can disrupt nerve signals, causing nerve pain and sometimes permanent nerve damage.

Foraminal Stenosis Symptoms

Foraminal stenosis symptoms resemble pinched nerves or radiculopathy. The following symptoms, from least to most severe, may occur:

• Pain.
• Paresthesia (pins-and-needles).
• Numbness.
• Muscle weakness or control loss.

Neural Foraminal Stenosis Types

You can get neural foraminal stenosis anywhere on your spine. 

• Spinal stenosis: The spinal cord is a nerve bundle that runs down your spine. Your spinal cord sends nerves to your arms, legs, and other body parts.
• Cervical foraminal stenosis: Your cervical vertebrae—neck spinal bones—experience this. Foraminal narrowing is common in the neck, which supports your head and is one of the most mobile parts of your spine. 
• Thoracic foraminal stenosis: Most unlikely foraminal stenosis. The thoracic spine is in your upper back. Thoracic foraminal stenosis affects shoulders and ribs. 
• Lumbar foraminal stenosis: This is another common foraminal stenosis. This is another flexible spine area. It must support a lot of weight. 

Causes of Foraminal Narrowing

Genetics can cause foraminal narrowing, but spine aging is the most common cause. Degenerative spine conditions that weaken and deteriorate the spine can narrow the foraminal canal.

Foraminal Narrowing Conditions

Degenerative disc disease occurs as the spine ages and the discs degenerate. As discs degenerate, foramina may narrow and compress nerve roots. Some disc degeneration patients have no symptoms. The following conditions can narrow the foramina:

• Herniated disc
• Bulging disc
• Bone spurs
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal arthritis
• Trauma
•  Injury

Diagnosis

Medical history is taken to diagnose foraminal stenosis. Pain management in Dallas checks for spine movement limitations, pain, reflex loss, and other symptoms during a physical exam. Other diagnostic methods include:

• Can rule out tumors, injuries, and abnormalities with X-rays
• MRI can detect damage or disease in soft tissues like ligaments and discs between vertebrae.
• Myelograms, which involve injecting an opaque dye into the spinal column and then taking an MRI or CT scan, can show herniated discs, bone spurs, or tumors pressing on the spinal cord or nerve.
• A bone scan detects fractures, tumors, infections, and arthritis.

Managing Foraminal Stenosis with Physical Therapy & Exercise

Spinal narrowing without treatment can cause debilitating pain and symptoms that make walking and daily tasks difficult. Consult an orthopedist if you have foraminal stenosis symptoms. Your pain doctor in Dallas will likely prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, activity modifications, and physical therapy. Physical therapy and exercise help manage your condition and reduce pain. Although resting can relieve pain, it can worsen symptoms and weaken your back and legs. 

During therapy, the low back, core, and leg muscles that stabilize the spine will be strengthened. Mobility, balance, flexibility, and endurance will improve with therapy. The therapist can help you relieve spine pain and pressure with gentle exercises and stretches. The work continues after a guided physical therapy course. Find fun, low-impact exercises to stay active, strong, and mobile. Walking, swimming, water aerobics, stationary bikes, ellipticals, yoga, and Tai Chi are great spine-friendly exercises.

Nonsurgical Foraminal Stenosis Treatments 

Doctors offer many treatments and minimally invasive procedures to relieve spinal cord pressure and symptoms. Before surgery, doctors recommend conservative treatment based on symptom severity and diagnosis. Experts may advise:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Heat and cold therapy to improve blood flow and inflammation
• Physical therapy or spine strengthening exercises
• Therapy injections

Common Foraminal Narrowing Surgeries

Modern medical advances make spinal decompression surgeries minimally invasive, with smaller incisions and faster recovery. These surgeries relieve nerve root pressure. The severity of foraminal narrowing determines the surgery, but common procedures include:

• Laminectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Discectomy
• Spine fusion
• Thermal facet ablation

Self-Care & Prevention

Foraminal narrowing often occurs with age. It may be impossible to stop its development, but you can slow it and keep your spine healthy.

• Do not smoke and drink alcohol
• Eat lots of omega-3s, calcium, and low-fat food.
• Drink an adequate amount of water.
• Exercise
• Regular, gentle stretching
• Avoid pulling or lifting heavy objects.
• Reduce weight—obesity strains the spine.

Conclusion 

Foraminal narrowing is painful and debilitating but treatable. When spinal nerve openings narrow, neural foraminal stenosis causes symptoms that require specialist care. After diagnosis and treatment, foraminal narrowing patients can find long-term relief. Physical therapy, painkillers, and corticosteroid injections are usually the first line of defense. Surgery may be recommended to relieve nerve compression and improve spinal function if these methods fail.