Foraminal Stenosis Symptoms and Causes

Common signs of foraminal stenosis include numbness, burning, tingling, and a sensation of “pins and needles” locally and/or in the extremities. Since foraminal narrowing hinders the nerve’s ability to function correctly, symptoms of foraminal stenosis can be quite painful. If diagnosed in it’s early stages, foraminal stenosis treatment, combined with moderate exercise and physical therapy, is all that is usually required.

Symptoms of Cervical Foraminal Stenosis

• Burning pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and/or hands.
• Tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, and/or hands.
• Numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and/or hands.
• Pins and needles sensation in the neck, shoulders, arms, and/or hands
• Muscular weakness in the arms if the condition is left untreated and allowed to progress.

Symptoms of Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis

• Burning pain in the buttocks, legs, and/or feet.
• Tingling in the buttocks, legs, and/or feet
• Numbness in the buttocks, legs, and/or feet
• Pins and needles sensation in the buttocks, legs, and/or feet.
• Muscular weakness in the legs if the condition is left untreated and allowed to progress.

What Are the Causes of Foraminal Stenosis?

Any condition that develops and causes debris or inflammation to reduce the amount of space in the foramen may lead to foraminal stenosis. If a disc were to become bulged or herniated, it may press into the foramen and constrict a nerve exiting through it. Herniated and bulging discs are not the only causes of foraminal stenosis; bone spurs, arthritic changes, and thickening of ligaments may also lead to this condition.

Most people find that walking aggravates their symptoms and in some severe cases, the your ability to walk may be severely limited, requiring you to use a cane for assistance. On the other hand, many patients find that their foraminal stenosis symptoms subside after a short amount of rest. Many people who suffer from stenosis find that leaning forward and holding onto a shopping cart or cane helps to alleviate some of their discomfort; this is because leaning forward expands the space in the spine.

Severe signs of foraminal stenosis occur when the muscles and nerves are deprived of nutrients for an extended period of time. Severe nerve compression can also result in nerve death, which may further lead to muscle weakness or a decrease of muscle mass.