Foraminal Stenosis Surgery
Foraminal stenosis, or the narrowing of canals through which the spinal nerves travel, can be caused by a number of spinal conditions, including bone spurs, bulging or herniated discs, collapsed discs, and others. Many of these conditions can be treated through conservative, non-surgical means. In some cases, however, a doctor or spine specialist may recommend foraminal stenosis surgery.
Symptoms of Foraminal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal does not produce symptoms in and of itself. It is only when the canal becomes so narrowed that a spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself becomes compressed that symptoms arise. Patients with foraminal stenosis may experience pain, muscle weakness, numbness, cramping, spasms, and tingling, which may be felt in the neck, back, hips, buttocks, shoulders, or extremities, depending on which nerves are being pinched by narrowed foramina.
Treating Foraminal Stenosis
Foraminal stenosis treatment typically begins with the use of pain medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest, physical therapy, and hot/cold compresses. Some patients try these treatments for weeks, months, or years before they realize that foraminal stenosis surgery might be the best chance at pain relief. Before committing to undergoing a highly invasive operation, patients should consider all of their options. Laser Spine Institute has developed safe and effective alternative to open back or neck surgery that:
- Are performed on an outpatient basis
- Utilize a small incision
- Do not require general anesthesia
- Allow 75 percent of patients to return to daily activities within two weeks
To learn more about these outpatient procedures, contact Laser Spine Institute Scottsdale, or any of our other consultation facilities or surgical centers nationwide. Finally, free yourself from back pain caused by foraminal stenosis.
