Foraminal stenosis happens when the nerve leaving the spinal canal is pinched. Think of it as an extremely narrow highway exit.
Foraminal stenosis symptoms include electrical shooting arm/leg pain.
This can happen for a multitude of reasons: bone spurs develop on the joint surrounding the nerve exit, the vertebrae have slid on one another, thickening of some tissues, etc.
Depending on location it can cause radiating pain and/or weakness.
Diagnosis
The success of treatment options depend on an accurate diagnosis, using a combination of but not limited to: physical exam, x-ray, CT scan, and MRI.
Treatment
Treatment options include therapy, anti-inflammatories, injections, surgical decompression, or surgical fusion. All treatment options depend on the type/location of foraminal stenosis and a custom treatment plan is recommended for each and every patient.
