You may be a candidate for Endoscopic Foramintotomy
The spine supports much of the upper body’s weight while protecting the spinal cord and facilitating movement. To accomplish these tasks, a complex system of stacked vertebrae, cartilage, joints, ligaments and muscles work in tandem, with each component depending upon another to function properly. Because the spine absorbs a great deal of the stress and strain of everyday life, it is prone to degeneration over time. When one part of the spine begins to deteriorate, it can quickly affect nearby regions and cause debilitating and/or painful symptoms.
The foraminal passageways, through which important nerves branch away from the spinal cord and travel to other areas of the body, are particularly susceptible to damage and decline. “Foraminal stenosis” occurs when these canals become obstructed or narrowed. Usually, foraminal stenosis becomes noticeable when a nerve becomes compressed, which leads to pain, discomfort and other irritating complications. Although foraminal narrowing can become a serious condition, it is generally easily treatable with prompt medical attention and proper care.
The age-related decline of the vertebral column is the primary cause of foraminal stenosis. However, many factors can exacerbate or accelerate the narrowing of the foraminal canals, including:
If you believe you may be at risk for developing foraminal stenosis or other spine disorders, schedule a consultation with Dr. T to discuss which preventative measures may work best for you. By making minor lifestyle changes and proactively treating issues as they arise, it is possible to manage, delay or even alleviate spine degeneration.
The symptoms of foraminal stenosis vary depending on which area of the spinal column experiences problematic narrowing (cervical, thoracic or lumbar), as well as the severity of the problem. However, there are some general symptoms to look out for, including:
Because the symptoms of foraminal stenosis are also associated with many other disorders and conditions, it is important to seek a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis right away. Dr. T is committed to helping you accurately identify the underlying cause of your pain and other symptoms.
If you are encountering foraminal stenosis, you are not alone. You do not have to accept your pain as an unalterable aspect of your daily life. Through personalized, patient-centric care, Dr. T at Microspine aims to ensure that each and every patient returns to their previous quality of life free of symptoms. From diagnosis to treatment, your health, well-being and quality of life are our unwavering priorities.
Dr. T will carefully and compassionately evaluate your medical history, current symptoms and physical state. Then, we will work with you to design a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and health history.
Generally, we recommend exploring conservative treatment options before considering surgical intervention. There are many non-invasive methods of care that can reduce the symptoms associated with foraminal stenosis. Often, patients can achieve significant relief through:
If non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, Microspine Endoscopic Decompression may be recommended. This is the least invasive technique that can be done outpatient under general anesthesia and sometimes under sedation (twilight anesthesia). When compared to traditional open procedures, Microspine & minimally invasive surgeries typically yield additional benefits that include:
Because of their many advantages, Microspine Endoscopic spine surgery is considered the most advanced form of treatment for foraminal stenosis. During your procedure, Dr. T may remove bone spurs and other obstructions from the foraminal canals and repair failing intervertebral discs through techniques that make use of remarkably small incisions.
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