Causes Of Back Pain - Foraminal Stenosis

By Author: Adam Arnette
Total Articles: 11
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What is it?
Throughout the spine, there are nerves entering and exiting the spinal canal through smaller processes called foramen or foraminal canals. Foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of these canals.

How it causes pain:
Typically, the narrowing is caused by bone spurs, herniated or bulging discs, scar tissue, arthritis, or thickening of ligaments. Foraminal stenosis can also be caused by the enlargement of a joint. These bone growths and other abnormalities obstruct the natural path of nerves and the spinal cord, causing compression and pain.

Can it be fixed?
There are various procedures and surgeries that can treat foraminal stenosis. There are highly specialized minimally invasive techniques to create more space in the spinal canal for the nerves to function normally, while allowing the patient to avoid open back surgery.

How it can be treated:
One specialized procedure called the AccuraScope D.N.D. Procedure can be used in this case to shrink away bulging or herniated discs, remove bone spurs and scar tissue, or create more room for the nerves to reside in their natural ...
... position. By relieving pressure from these nerves, the source of pain is eliminated, allowing the patient to return to a normal, pain-free life.

Lawrence B. Rothstein is a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and The Ohio State University School of Medicine (1987). He completed his internship, residency in Anesthesia, and fellowship in Interventional Pain Management at the Cleveland Clinic where he was named Chief Fellow. He is board certified in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.