Foraminal Stenosis Treatment
Foraminal stenosis treatment has one goal: To provide patients with relief from the symptoms of spinal compression. When the foramina, or the canals through which spinal nerves pass, become constricted, patients may experience pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the neck, back, hips, shoulders and/or extremities. Doctors may approach treatment of this spinal condition in a number of ways, including conservative, nonsurgical therapies.
Conservative Treatment
Treatment for foraminal stenosis typically begins with conservative techniques, which means the techniques do not involve surgery. Most patients are able to find relief with one or more of the following:
- Pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid spinal injections
- The application of hot and/or cold compresses
- Physical therapy
- Behavior modification
- And others
It is important to note that, while conservative treatments can often be pursued at home, they should only be used after receiving the go-ahead from a doctor or spine specialist.
Surgical Treatment
Foraminal stenosis surgery may be recommended when several weeks or months of conservative foraminal stenosis treatment techniques are not helping the patient return to a normal, active lifestyle. Before undergoing highly invasive spinal decompression surgery and subjecting themselves to a lengthy recuperation and the risk for failed back surgery syndrome, patients should explore all of their options. The orthopedic experts at Laser Spine Institute have developed safe and effective alternatives to open back or neck surgery. These outpatient procedures utilize state-of-the-art, laser-assisted technology and most patients are back on their feet within an hour of surgery. Contact Laser Spine Institute Scottsdale for more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation.
