Foraminal stenosis is a spinal nerve condition that can occur when parts of the spine block or reduce space in one or more foramina. The spinal foramina are the passageways through which nerve roots branching off from the spinal cord exit the spinal column on their way to serving specific areas of the body.

Foraminal blockages may be caused by any number of spinal conditions, including bulging or herniated discs, inflamed tendons or ligaments, a fractured bone, bone spurs and vertebral shifting. Wearing high heels can cause and worsen these types of conditions, typically in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. To learn more about the impact high heels can have on your spine, read the following article.

High heels can alter parts of the spine

Daily high heel use over many years can actually lead to changes in various parts of your spine. For example, wobbling on stilettos puts undue stress on the back and knees as the weight of the body shifts forward. Additionally, calve muscles can shorten and tendons may thicken because of wearing high heels.

Spondylolisthesis, or the forward slippage of one vertebra over another, frequently occurs when you wear high heels, especially in the lumbar region of the spine where the body’s weight is concentrated. Each foramen is created by the natural space between two stacked vertebrae, and foraminal stenosis with nerve compression may ultimately develop as a direct result of vertebral slippage.

Foraminal stenosis in the lower back can cause symptoms of shooting pain, in addition to numbness, tingling, weakness, spasms, cramping and pain that radiates through the buttocks and down the legs. Sciatica, caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, is a term that is often associated with this particular set of lower body symptoms.

Foraminal stenosis treatment

If excessive high heel use has led to the development of foraminal stenosis and several weeks or months of conservative treatments such as hot and cold therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic care and pain medication have not provided you with adequate relief, you may want to consider the minimally invasive procedures offered at USA Spine Care.

At USA Spine Care, we perform a variety of procedures to help relieve neck and back pain. Based on the severity of your condition, our board-certified+ surgeons will either remove part or all of the structure obstructing the foramen and compression the nerve roots. For more information about our outpatient procedures, contact USA Spine Care today.

As the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, USA Spine Care has helped thousands of patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain each year. Let us help you find the lasting relief you have been searching for. Reach out to our dedicated team for a free MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for our outpatient surgery.