How Foraminal Stenosis Develops in the Spine
Foraminal stenosis is a narrowing of the openings (foramina) between vertebrae that serve as passageways for nerve roots to branch off the spinal cord and exit the spinal column. The foramina exist at every vertebral level of the spine, allowing nerve roots to serve their function as signal intermediaries between the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system. When the foramina become narrower than normal, the nerve roots can be compressed or irritated. This nerve compression can produce symptoms known as neuralgia, including radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.
What Causes Foraminal Stenosis?
Most - but not all - foraminal narrowing is related to the aging process. In addition to spinal injury, stenosis can be caused by the following degenerative spine conditions:
- Degenerative disc disease - deterioration of the normally spongy discs between the vertebrae lowers the height of these discs, diminishing the space available for nerve roots to pass.
- Herniated disc - material from an intervertebral disc's nucleus extrudes through a tear in the outer wall and can leak into the foraminal opening.
- Bulging disc - a protruding portion of the outer disc wall can infringe upon foraminal space.
- Bone spurs - osteophytes that arise as a result of osteoarthritis can grow along the edges of the foramina, constricting available space.
- Spondylolisthesis - slippage of one vertebra over another can lead to a significant reduction of foraminal space.
How to Treat Foraminal Stenosis
Pain and other symptoms associated with foraminal narrowing normally can be managed using a regimen of conservative treatment methods. This can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), exercise, stretching, corticosteroid injections, and more. Surgery becomes an option, usually, only if chronic pain and other symptoms remain debilitating after several weeks or months of conservative treatment. Only a doctor or spine specialist can make an accurate diagnosis of foraminal stenosis.
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