Foraminal Stenosis in Arlington, VA

Name: Foraminal Stenosis
Brand: Virginia Neurosurgeons
Rating: 4.7 (23 reviews)

The nerves leave the spinal canal through small holes at each spine level called the neural foramina. Foraminal stenosis, or narrowing, occurs when the neural foramen becomes smaller from an arthritic change in the spine, resulting in a pinched nerve. Causes of foraminal stenosis include disc degeneration resulting in loss of height or disc bulges and herniation, build-up of arthritic joint tissue, and disc slippage.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease may include nerve pain and neurologic symptoms and depend on the what part of the spine is affected:

Cervical Region:

Pain radiating into the shoulders, arms, or hands.
Numbness or tingling in the arms.
Muscle weakness in the arms.
Coordination and balance issues.
Altered reflexes.

Thoracic Region:

Pain extending to the chest or abdomen.
Weakness in the muscles of the upper back.
Numbness or tingling in the torso.

Lumbar Region:

Pain traveling into the buttocks or legs.
Weakness in the muscles of the lower back and legs.
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet.
Challenges with prolonged standing or walking.

Why Choose Virginia Neurosurgeons for Foraminal Stenosis Care?

At Virginia Neurosurgeons, our board-certified neurosurgeons have extensive training in the diagnosis and surgical management of spinal conditions. What sets Virginia Neurosurgeons apart from other spinal surgeons is our comprehensive training as neurosurgeons. We approach each case by integrating the patient’s symptoms, imaging findings and diagnostics, and detailed neurologic assessment to diagnose the patient and formulate a personalized treatment plan. We pride ourselves on ethical and honest practices, serving as trusted advocates and partners for our patients’ medical care. Our commitment to open communication ensures that patients fully understand their conditions and treatment options, even if they are not surgical candidates. Our surgical interventions aim to provide clinically meaningful benefits, including pain reduction and preservation and restoration of neurological function, improving the quality of life for our patients.

How Is Foraminal Stenosis Diagnosed?

At Virginia Neurosurgeons, our board-certified neurosurgeons adopt a comprehensive approach to understanding the specific factors contributing to your condition. By combining state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, Virginia Neurosurgeons ensures a precise understanding of your condition, enabling the development of personalized and effective treatment strategies for each patient. Our expert team follows a meticulous process to procure evidence of exactly what is occurring:

Medical History: Our surgeons will review your symptoms and medical history to help you understand and identify sources of pain and neurologic symptoms.
Physical Examination: Conducting a detailed physical examination allows our neurosurgeons to assess reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory function, aiding in pinpointing affected nerve pathways.
Imaging Studies: Advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, are employed to visualize the spine and identify structural abnormalities, including herniated discs or spinal stenosis. X-rays may be performed to assess your spinal alignment and evaluate for spinal instability.
Electrodiagnostic Tests: Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) help evaluate the electrical activity of muscles and nerves, aiding in the localization of nerve compression.
Diagnostic Injections: Targeted injections, such as epidural steroid injections, can help confirm the source of pain and further guide the treatment plan.

Treatments for Foraminal Stenosis

Once our surgeons have made a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease, they will review with you non-surgical and surgical treatment options to create a management plan specific to your case. Treatments for foraminal stenosis include:

Non-Invasive Interventions:

Medications for pain management and inflammation.
Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility.
Activity modification to reduce strain on the spine.
Acupuncture or dry needling.
Chiropractic care.

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

Epidural steroid injections to alleviate pain in the nerves.
Radiofrequency ablation (specialized heat treatment) to disrupt nerve signals causing pain.

Surgical Interventions:

Decompression of the nerve with a laminectomy or foraminotomy (widening the foramen).
Discectomy to remove disc material pressing on the nerve in the foramen.
Spinal fusion to stabilize the spine and decompress the nerve if foraminal stenosis is caused by slippage, instability, or loss of disc height.
Artificial disc placement after discectomy to preserve spinal motion.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs:

Customized exercise regimens for ongoing strength and flexibility.
Lifestyle modifications for long-term spine health.
Patient education to promote self-management and prevent future issues.

Many patients will benefit from non-surgical therapies. Patients who do not respond to conservative therapy may be surgical candidates. Not all patients with degenerative disc disease may benefit from surgery, however. At Virginia Neurosurgeons, we will provide you with our honest recommendation on the most effective treatment for your condition, even if it is not surgical.

Schedule Your Consultation with Virginia Neurosurgeons Today

Experience relief from disc herniation symptoms—schedule a consultation with Virginia Neurosurgeons today. Our expert team offers personalized care and effective interventions tailored to your needs. Take the first step toward improved spinal health and enhanced well-being.