Foramen

A spinal formen is an opening in a vertebra where a nerve root passes. Sometimes, the foramina can become narrowed, which puts pressure on the nerve roots. Such nerve compression causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the parts of the body that are served by that nerve root. At The Bonati Institute, we perform laser-assisted arthroscopic surgery to relieve the compression.

A foramen can become narrowed from several causes. Sometimes it's because of bone spurs that form from degenerative disc disease. The foramen may narrow because of a herniated disc which extends into it, or arthritis can be a cause. Finally, scar tissue from previous injuries or surgeries can also narrow the opening and put pressure on your nerves.

Foramen Stenosis

Foramen narrowing is known as stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal is called spinal stenosis). At The Bonati Institute, we perform surgery, called a foramenoplasty, that widens the opening. Our procedure is an alternative to invasive spine fusion and bone grafts that has worked well for many patients and might be an option for you, too.

Pain in your upper, middle, or lower back that is chronic or recurrent is reason enough to see your doctor for treatment. Most of the time, medication, physical therapy, rest, exercise, or a combination of the above is enough to relieve pain or numbness and let you get on with your life. Other cases could require minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as the ones we perform here at The Bonati Institute.