What Is Foraminal Stenosis?
Foraminal stenosis, or narrowing, occurs when the open passageways between the spinal vertebrae (intervertebral foramina) are encroached upon by displaced bone or soft tissue, often due to degenerative changes in the spinal anatomy. Spinal nerve roots must travel through these small, hollow archways as they branch away from the spinal cord to reach other areas of the body. If a spinal foramen is obstructed, a sensitive nerve root can become compressed. The resulting pressure on the nerve root can cause it to send faulty signals along its pathway in the form of pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.
