When foraminal stenosis causes mild-to-moderate symptoms, nonsurgical treatment is often sufficient. Many people are able to find the relief they need by working with a physician to develop a customized regimen of conservative options, such as gentle stretches, low-impact exercises, over-the-counter medications or epidural steroid injections. As a result, the idea of surgery seldom comes into play.
In some cases, however, foraminal stenosis symptoms worsen over time and become very severe. This can occur as the passageways where nerve roots exit the spinal cord become progressively narrower, causing a spinal nerve to become irritated or pinched. A compressed nerve can be very painful and limit mobility. At that point, more advanced foraminal stenosis treatment, such as a surgical procedure, may be needed.
Types of surgery for treating foraminal stenosis
Traditionally, surgery to address foraminal narrowing has involved a highly invasive open neck or back procedure. At USA Spine Care, many patients elect to undergo minimally invasive spine surgery instead, knowing that it is a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery.^ In comparison, some advantages of our minimally invasive outpatient approach to foraminal stenosis treatment include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less muscle disruption
- Lower risk of infection and other surgical complications^
- A faster recovery^
Is foraminal stenosis surgery your next step?
Coping with severe foraminal stenosis symptoms does not have to become your way of life. If you continue to experience severe pain despite several weeks or months of conservative treatment, contact USA Spine Care — the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery — to request a free MRI review.* We can determine if you are a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure, such as a foraminotomy, laminectomy or discectomy, to address the cause of your foraminal narrowing and help you reclaim your active lifestyle.
