Foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the bony canal, or foramina, in which spinal nerves pass through as they exit the spinal cord. The narrow canal causes an increase in pressure to be placed on the spinal nerves, which results in numbness, cramping, pain or weakness along the spinal nerve, states the National Institutes of Health. Foraminal stenosis is generally treated conservatively, but surgery may be recommended in severe cases.
Osteoarthritis
According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoarthritis is a common cause of foraminal stenosis. This occurs because the facet joints, or the joint between vertebrae, can deteriorated and develop bone spurs, or humps of bone, over time. Bone spurs can grow into the foraminal canal and compress the exiting nerve. If osteoarthritis is the cause, the patient will likely notice back pain when bending or extending the back. In addition, the patient may notice shooting pains that travel down the leg when leaning to the side of the affected facet joint. Osteoarthritis is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy or corticosteroid injections at the site of facet osteoarthritis.
Disk Herniation
A herniated disk can cause foraminal stenosis, states the Mayo Clinic. Disks are cushions between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers in the spine. With age, the cushions can become flat, develop tiny tears and bulge. The disk then protrudes from its original location, and can cause narrowing of the foraminal canal. This results in compression of the exiting nerve and symptoms of foraminal stenosis. Disk herniations usually heal on their own, but more aggressive treatments may be needed
Spinal Tumor
A tumor in the spinal column may also cause foraminal narrowing, according to the Mayo Clinic. A tumor that grows within the spinal column can originate near a facet joint, or grow to eventually block a foramina, which causes spinal nerve compression. If the spinal tumor has spread from another part of the body, the primary tumor must be treated to treat the spinal metastases, or tumors that have moved to the spine. If the tumor originates in the spinal column, a surgeon may be able to remove the tumor. A cancer patient must immediately tell his doctor if he begins to experience back pain or notices signs of nerve compression.
