Neural Foraminal Stenosis happens when the nerves that are found in the passages and ducts of your spinal column is pinched and compressed. The compression of the nerves is often cause by deteriorating spinal discs. This is a common thing to happen for people of advance age. Other possible causes of Neural Foraminal Stenosis are rheumatoid arthritis, chronic meningitis, osteoarthritis, spinal tumors and neurofibromas. Birth defect may also the cause of increasing thinning of foramen. Since this condition is a progressive disorder, it usually affects older people except of course with instances where one is born with foramen condition.
Symptoms of Neural Foraminal Stenosis
- Mild to severe pain.
- Numbness and tingling as well as weakness of the extremities.
Symptoms is not the same, it might be severe in one side of the body and almost non-existent on the other side of the body. It actually depends on the location of the compression. If you experience such symptoms then it is important that you see your doctor immediately to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis of Neural Foraminal Stenosis
Diagnosing this condition might be hard and complicated. If it is a result from deteriorating disc then the problem might not be obvious until it is in its later stage. Another thing is if one experience the pain occasionally then one might tend to ignore it unlike if the pain is consistent then people would really seek professional help to deal with this condition.
Diagnosis of such condition would mean conducting massive medical history and a thorough physical examination. MRI and X-rays would be likely requested. Once your doctor have fully identified your condition then that is the time that treatment should be discuss.
Treatment of Neural Foraminal Stenosis
Conventional methods of treatment like physical therapy and pain management is quite effective in providing temporary relief of pain. It is recommended though that patient should go through lifestyle changes if they want a long term relief. These changes in lifestyle might slow down the deterioration process of the disc.
In some instances surgery might be needed for permanent relief but make sure to discuss this with your doctor. Ask about the risk and possible complications and of course the benefits it will give you. Weight down carefully and always check the rate of success of such treatment.