Cervical foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the foramen, which are the tunnels where the nerves exit the spine due to a herniated or bulging disc, a bone spur, thickening of the ligament or a facet cyst as a result of joints enlarging and losing their elasticity. This condition typically leads to mild aching or stiffness in the cervical (neck) region of the spine. However, if the nerve root or spinal cord becomes compressed, then the symptoms described in the following article can begin to present themselves.

Detecting cervical foraminal stenosis

If you are suffering from cervical foraminal stenosis as a result of a compressed nerve, this condition can lead to chronic pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in the shoulders, arms, hands and fingers as well as the head, neck and upper back. It is important to consult your doctor if you are experiencing these debilitating symptoms to determine what the first course of action should be in relieving your condition.

Treating cervical foraminal stenosis

Depending on the severity of your cervical foraminal stenosis, your doctor will typically recommend a conservative treatment regimen that consists of the following:

• Pain medications
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Hot and cold therapy
• Chiropractic visits
• Low-impact exercises

However, in the event that your symptoms don’t improve after several weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment, the next step is generally to attempt surgical intervention.

Minimally invasive cervical foraminal stenosis surgery

If you require surgery to treat your condition, then USA Spine Care may be able to help. At USA Spine Care, we have helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain. If you are a candidate for our minimally invasive spine surgery, our board-certified surgeons+ are able to use a small incision that is muscle-sparing to remove the particle that is causing the cervical foraminal stenosis in order to relieve your symptoms.

Our minimally invasive spine surgery is performed throughout the country in state-of-the-art facilities that are built around patient-centered care. To learn more about the types of outpatient procedures we offer to help treat cervical foraminal stenosis, contact us today. Through a no-cost MRI review* of your spine, our dedicated team will be able to determine your best surgical option to provide you with lasting relief from your condition.

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