Foraminal narrowing treatment is often possible with conservative, non-surgical methods. In severe cases, a doctor or back specialist may recommend surgery, especially if weeks or months of conservative treatments prove ineffective.
Symptoms
Most patients seek treatment for foraminal narrowing when their symptoms become chronic, severe, and start to interfere with the individual’s quality of life. These symptoms typically include pain, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, cramping, numbness, and tingling. The location of these symptoms will vary depending on the position of the affected foramen, but may include the neck, back, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, buttocks, and feet.
Conservative Treatments
Treatment for foraminal narrowing typically begins with conservative methods. This may include one or more of the following:
- Pain medications
- Physical therapy
- Hot/cold therapy
- Moderate exercise
- Stretching
- Intermittent periods of rest
- Alternative treatments (such as yoga, acupuncture, or massage therapy)
- And others
It is important to note that these treatments should only be pursued under the guidance of a doctor. This will help to prevent drug interactions and further damage to the neck and/or back.
Other Treatment Options
If conservative foraminal narrowing treatment provides little or no relief, a doctor may recommend open back surgery. As with all medical procedures, there are certain risks that are associated with spine surgery and many patients require extended periods of recovery time. If you are hesitant to undergo open back surgery, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about our minimally invasive procedures. Our procedures utilize state-of-the-art endoscopic technology and have helped tens of thousands of patients rediscover their lives without neck and back pain.
