Foraminal stenosis occurs when the foraminal canals within the spine begin to narrow. The foraminal canals are the passageways on either side of the vertebrae that allow the nerves to travel between the spinal cord and the spinal canal.

Because the foraminal canal is already narrow, even a mild case of foraminal stenosis can cause nerve compression, which means one of the traveling nerves within the foraminal canal becomes pinched. When this happens, symptoms of pain and discomfort can travel from the spine to other areas of the body along the nerve pathway.

Foraminal stenosis can have several causes, though the two most common causes of this condition are the natural aging process or another spine condition. The natural aging and weakening of the spine can cause changes in the spinal anatomy, which could result in a narrowing foraminal canal, causing foraminal stenosis. Similarly, another spine condition like a bone spur or herniated disc could shrink the empty space within the foraminal canals, also causing foraminal stenosis.

Learn more about foraminal stenosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with foraminal stenosis, it is important for you to learn more about this condition. Research the causes, symptoms and treatments available for foraminal stenosis, and schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options for pain relief.

Take a moment to review our helpful articles about foraminal stenosis:

• What Is a Foraminal Stenosis?
• What Happens if You Let Spinal Stenosis Go Untreated?
• What Does Severe Right Foraminal Stenosis Mean?
• What Does Severe Foraminal Stenosis Mean?
• What Does Mild Right Foraminal Narrowing Mean?
• Is Foraminal Stenosis Serious?
• 3 Facts About Foraminal Stenosis Surgery
• Three Alternative Treatment Options for Foraminal Stenosis
• How Is Cervical Foraminal Stenosis Treated?
• What Type of Doctor Treats Foraminal Stenosis?
• Two Differences Between Central and Lateral Foraminal Stenosis
• Nine Natural Remedies to Treat Foraminal Stenosis
• 11 Options to Explore Before Considering Foraminal Stenosis Surgery
• Three Post-Op Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Recovering from Foraminal Stenosis Surgery
• Three Activities that Can Accelerate Foraminal Stenosis
• Can You Have Foraminal Stenosis Without Symptoms?
• Can Foraminal Stenosis Be Caused by an Injury?
• Are Foraminal Stenosis Treatment & Foraminal Narrowing Treatment the Same?
• Can Foraminal Stenosis Cause Paralysis in Older Age?
• What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Foraminal Stenosis?
• The Foraminal Stenosis Grading System
• Can Foraminal Stenosis Cause Dizziness?
• Three Signs Physical Therapy Is Not Working to Treat Your Foraminal Stenosis
• Four Ways Foraminal Stenosis Is Similar to Spinal Stenosis
• Foraminal stenosis treatments — chiropractic adjustments
• Can foraminal stenosis develop from wearing high heels?
• Treating foraminal stenosis with herbal supplements
• Foraminal stenosis caused by truck driving
• Is There a Minimally Invasive Spine Procedure that Addresses Foraminal Stenosis?
• Five Common Symptoms Of Foraminal Stenosis
• Three Questions To Ask Before Foraminal Stenosis Surgery
• A Complete Guide To Foraminal Stenosis Treatment
• Foraminal Stenosis Myths: Get The Facts
• Three Dangers Of Not Treating Foraminal Stenosis
• Four Foraminal Stenosis Surgery Alternatives
• Four Common Foraminal Stenosis Treatment Options
• What You Should Know About Neural Foraminal Stenosis
• When Is Foraminal Stenosis Surgery Necessary?
• What Are The Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis Treatments?
• What is the treatment for foraminal stenosis?
• Foraminal Stenosis Treatment Can Vary and Does Not Always Involve Surgery
• Four Factors Shown to Cause Foraminal Stenosis
• Three Things You May Encounter During Your Foraminal Stenosis Surgery Recovery
• What is foraminal stenosis?
• Can I Exercise With Foraminal Stenosis?
• Follow These Five Tips in Your Workout if You Have Foraminal Stenosis
• Three Ways Extended Periods of Sitting Can Cause Foraminal Stenosis
• How Long Does It Take to Recover from Foraminal Stenosis Surgery?
• What Is the Treatment for Severe Foraminal Stenosis?
• Five Common Symptoms of Lumbar (Lower Back) Foraminal Stenosis

Once you’ve researched your condition and talked with your doctor about treatment, you can find out if you’re a candidate for our minimally invasive spine surgery by contacting USA Spine Care for a no-cost MRI review.*

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