What Is Neural Foraminal Narrowing?

Neural foraminal narrowing, often referred to as neural foraminal stenosis, is a condition that affects the spinal cord and the associated spinal nerves. The condition is due to a narrowing of the foramen, resulting in eventual nerve compression.

Identification

Spinal nerves pass through openings in the spinal cord called neural foramina. Various conditions or diseases cause the openings to narrow, causing compression of the nerves passing through the openings.

Causes

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Disc degeneration, due to the natural wear and tear of aging, is the most common cause of neural foraminal narrowing. Narrowing of the foramen may also be due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic meningitis or tumors in the spinal column. Less often, the condition is congenital, or present at birth.

Symptoms

The nerve compression resulting from neural foraminal narrowing is generally a slow and gradual process. Pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness are the most common symptoms. Symptoms are generally noncontinuous and vary depending on whether it's cervical or lumbar spinal compression.

Treatment

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Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Nonsurgical treatment is the first choice to relieve symptoms and includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle alterations or steroid injections. Decompression surgery is generally the only option for complete resolution, and several minimally invasive surgery options exist.

Diagnosis

According to The Spinal Columns, neural foraminal narrowing can be difficult to diagnose because of the gradual and noncontinuous nature of symptoms. Along with a complete medical history, a physician will generally use diagnostic imaging to diagnose neural foraminal narrowing.