What does severe foraminal stenosis mean?

Foraminal Stenosis is the narrowing of the cervical disc space caused by enlargement of a joint (the uncinate process) in the spinal canal. The majority of symptoms with this type of cervical spinal stenosis are usually caused by one nerve root on one side. Save.

What aggravates foraminal stenosis?

Causes of Foraminal Stenosis Degenerative arthritis in your spine may cause bony spurs that block spinal openings. The wearing down of your intervertebral discs may cause bulging between your vertebrae. Ligaments surrounding your spine may enlarge. Vertebrae can slip out of place.

Will Foraminal stenosis get worse?

While cervical foraminal stenosis tends to progress over time, the symptoms may not necessarily worsen. Most people can manage cervical foraminal stenosis symptoms with nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, rest, cervical traction, and minimally invasive injection therapies.

What causes foraminal stenosis in the spinal column?

Foraminal stenosis usually occurs as a form of degenerative disease and occurs slowly as the spinal column wears. Different conditions like bulging disc, herniated disc, swelling of soft tissues, bony growth and arthritic changes of the spine could encroach on foramen, causing the nerves in it to be compressed.

Are there any nonsurgical treatments for foraminal stenosis?

Unlike many other back or neck conditions, most nonsurgical treatments for foraminal stenosis (such as pain medications or other modalities) are unlikely to be of much benefit. Traction may provide some pain relief.

Are there any symptoms of foraminal stenosis in older people?

In fact, nearly half of all middle-aged and older people have some kind of spinal stenosis and pinched nerves. But not everyone with foraminal stenosis will experience symptoms. Some people may have symptoms that come and go.

What does it mean if you have neural foraminal narrowing?

Overview. Neural foraminal stenosis, or neural foraminal narrowing, is a type of spinal stenosis. It occurs when the small openings between the bones in your spine, called the neural foramina, narrow or tighten. The nerve roots that exit the spinal column through the neural foramina may become compressed, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.