Foraminal Stenosis Treatment

Foraminal Stenosis Treatment

The methods recommended by your doctor for foraminal stenosis treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. Foraminal stenosis is a narrowing, or restriction, of the spaces on either side of the vertebrae that allow for the passage of the nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord. These openings (singular: foramen) are vulnerable to traumatic spinal injury and to age-related degenerative spine conditions, such as arthritis of the spine and degenerative disc disease. Not all foraminal narrowing produces symptoms. Only when adjacent nerve roots are irritated or compressed will symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness occur.

Conservative Foraminal Stenosis Treatment

Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat symptoms associated with foraminal stenosis. In most cases, symptoms can be managed using a combination of conservative treatment methods, including:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prescription or over-the-counter
• Gentle exercise
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Behavior modification
• Stretching
• Hot/cold compresses
• Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic therapy

When Conservative Treatment Is Not Enough

If chronic symptoms persist after several weeks or months of conservative foraminal stenosis treatment, surgery might become an option. If so, consider scheduling a consultation with a member of the medical staff at Laser Spine Institute. Our orthopedic specialists have helped tens of thousands of patients rediscover their lives without back and neck pain. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn more about our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures or for a complimentary review of an MRI or CT scan.