The spinal column plays the pillar of strength for every human being. It is the strong lumen which supports the trunk and the head. It is the vertebral foramina that enclose the spinal cord and its associated nerves. All the nerves in the body connect in the spinal cord. To accommodate it, spine has holes called Neuroforamen. This hole serves as the passage of the nerves and arteries to connect to the spinal cord. When the size of these holes reduce in size then compression of the nerves happen and this is called Neuroforaminal Stenosis.
Symptoms of Neuroforaminal Stenosis
Symptoms of Neuroforaminal Stenosis includes pain, tingling sensations, stiffness and on rare occasion weakness. This is not just experience in the spine but in other parts of the body as well. Pain is mostly a result of the pressure in the spinal cord but does not necessarily mean to occur in the spine region only. A clear example of that is when pain occurs in the cervical nerve root then pain will also manifest in the hands, arms and shoulders. The same thing happens if compression happens in the lumbar spine then pain might spread to the legs, buttocks and the lower back.
Causes of Neuroforaminal Stenosis
Causes of such condition actually vary but the end result is just the same and that is the blockage of the neuroforamen. Most cause of this is arthritic degenerative changes of the bones or vertebra because of aging. Other causes may include disc herniation and spinal tumors.
Treatment of Neuroforaminal Stenosis
With the modern technology today this condition can be easily detected through MRI and the usual treatment for such condition is through surgery which they call as Foraminotomy. This surgery is basically a decompression procedure. The surgery involves the removal of tissue or bone that blocks in the foramen thus releasing the pressure in the spinal root. This procedure reduces the pain and inflammation caused by the condition. So far, surgery is the best option to reduce the discomfort and pain brought about by this condition.