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Foraminal Stenosis

Foraminal stenosis is a spinal condition which commonly affects one or more spinal nerve roots. The foramen are the openings between vertebrae which allow the nerve roots to exit from the spinal column. There are foramen between each vertebrae allowing the various nerves to branch off from the spinal cord and serve the regional neurological requirements of the body. Stenosis is a condition which describes a narrowing or closing of a typical anatomical space. Therefore, stenosis of the foramen is the condition in which one or more foramen narrow, possibly impinging on a nerve root. This condition is commonly referred to as a pinched nerve.

Foraminal Stenosis

Foraminal Stenosis Causes

This type of stenosis can be caused by a number of possible reasons:

* Herniated discs can bulge into the foraminal canal, constricting the nerve signal and possibly inducing symptoms.

* Enlargement of a particular part of the vertebrae called the uncinate process can cause narrowed cervical foramen. The uncinate processes are projections on the sides of certain cervical vertebrae.

* Spinal arthritis can cause degeneration of the foraminal openings. Osteophytes can also build up around the foramen, possibly compressing a spinal nerve root.

Foraminal Stenosis Symptoms

Being that this condition is not symptomatic in itself, there is usually no pain directly caused by stenosis of the foraminal openings. Pain and other neurological symptoms are only present if the narrowed foramen actually compresses a nerve. In this case, the symptoms are exactly identical to any other pinched nerve condition. The most common physical symptoms are pain, tingling, numbness and weakness experienced locally and in the area served by the affected nerve. This condition is also a possible cause of chronic sciatica in certain patients.

Recommendation on Foraminal Stenosis

This condition can be a problem for a small minority of patients with specific anatomical conditions. Most diagnosed cases of stenosis of the foramen are simply vilifying the condition as yet another scapegoat on which to blame back pain. Unlike many other conditions, chronic pain is certainly possible from the development of severe foraminal narrowing. This makes the distinction between true physical cases of stenosis of the foramen and scapegoat versions even harder to differentiate than usual. It is highly recommended to add knowledge therapy to any physical treatment program for this condition. This way, you have both bases covered, whether the condition is indeed physical or psychosomatic. Remember that the majority of patients diagnosed with stenosis of the foramen are actually suffering from psychological back pain being blamed on the coincidental spinal abnormality. If you are experiencing pain which has resisted all attempts at appropriate treatment, consider that chance that your pain might also come from a psychosomatic causation. If you have pain due to actual physical stenosis of the foramen, consider your treatment options carefully and do not agree to back surgery unless it is a last resort.

Foraminal Stenosis to Back Pain Home 7/6/07 Revised 11/7/08