What is Foraminal Narrowing?
Foraminal narrowing is a spinal condition in which the openings between the vertebrae become smaller. These openings, called foramina, are passageways that allow nerve roots to extend out from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. When an opening narrows, it can cause pressure on a nerve root, resulting in a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The location of these symptoms will depend on where along the spine the nerve root is pinched. For example, cervical foraminal narrowing, which occurs in the cervical (neck) area, can create symptoms that travel through the neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
BEST Health System is a spine and orthopaedic ambulatory center. At our Cincinnati location, Dr. Girton and Dr. Abbott are two of our amazing surgeons who specialize in providing patients with minimally invasive care.
Symptoms of Foraminal Narrowing
Cervical foraminal narrowing can cause a number of symptoms that interfere with your ability to go about your daily routines. Seven common symptoms that you should be aware of are:
- Neck pain
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations
- Muscle spasms
- Cramping
- Radiating pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult with a physician for a diagnosis and treatment plan. It is important to note that these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have foraminal narrowing in your neck, as many other spinal conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Treatment Options
Cervical foraminal narrowing treatment typically begins with a combination of conservative therapies. These may include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, low-impact exercises, and alternative treatments like yoga and chiropractic care. Additionally, your physician may recommend specific lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight, quitting smoking or improving posture. For many patients, some combination of conservative treatments will provide the relief they are searching for. However, if symptoms persist for several weeks or months, you may need to consider surgery as the next step.
BEST Health System
At BEST Health System Cincinnati, our premier board-certified surgeons focus on finding the easiest treatment route for patients. Dr. Keith Girton is our spine specialist who has performed over 6,000 outpatient surgeries in his 30 years of work. Dr. James Abbott is an orthopaedic surgeon with over 13 years of experience of providing exceptional care. If you are you looking for surgeons near you, look no further than the BEST. We are delighted to offer our neighbors access to excellent surgeons who are dedicated to patient care.
Surgical intervention may be necessary if conservative efforts are ineffective. Through the use of modern technology, surgeons are now able to complete these procedures without the need for large incisions. BEST Health System is the industry leader in minimally invasive care. Even compared to other minimally invasive surgical providers, BEST is setting the blueprint. Contact our team to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Put an end to your back pain now and for all.
