Neck and Back Pain Could Signal Foraminal Stenosis

If you’re experiencing muscle spasms, weakness and pain in your neck, arms, legs or back, it could actually signal a condition called foraminal stenosis.

In a normal spine, nerve roots have enough room to slip from the spinal cord through the neural foramina, which are openings between the vertebrae.  However, disc degeneration brought on by age or disease may clog the foramen with disc material or bone spurs that trap and compress the nerve roots. Nerve root compression may occur in the cervical (neck area) thoracic (mid back area) or lumbar (lower back) portion of the spinal column.

The symptoms of foraminal stenosis include numbness, weakness, and sensations of burning, tingling, and pins and needles in the affected extremity.

What Causes Foraminal Stenosis?

Some spinal conditions linked to foraminal stenosis include:

• Bone spurs, additional bone which can grow on the foramina and constrict nerve roots
• Bulging disc, the protrusion or bulge intrude into the foramen and pinch the nerve roots
• Herniated disc, the  ruptured disc may cause disc material to jut into the foramen and pinch the nerve roots
• Degenerative disc disease, the foramina may become constricted as the intervertebral discs narrow due to degeneration over time.

Depending on where the nerve roots are compressed, the person suffering from foraminal stenosis may experience varying symptoms. For example, lumbar foraminal narrowing may lead to pain, tingling or numbness that extends down into the lower back, hips and back of the legs. Cervical stenosis may affect the neck, arms and hands.

Unfortunately, in some cases, the pain and other symptoms will not become apparent right away. Someone suffering from a herniated disc may not experience many symptoms, which means they may not get treatment. Failing to get treatment for a spinal condition can then increase the risk of foraminal stenosis. This condition develops gradually over an extended period of time.

Neural Foraminal Stenosis & Bilateral Neural Foraminal Stenosis

Neural foraminal stenosis is used to describe a condition in which the opening of the vertebrae narrows. Neural refers to the nervous system, which is the system the spinal cord belongs to, while stenosis refers to narrowing. 

Typically only one side of the vertebrae is impacted with foraminal stenosis. Bilateral neural foraminal narrowing may be diagnosed when both the right and left sides of the nerve passageways in the spine have narrowed and caused the compression of a nerve. When a person suffers from bilateral foraminal stenosis, they are more likely to feel pain on both sides.

Your physician will determine if surgery is required for one or both sides depending on your condition.

Treatment Options for Foraminal Stenosis

In order to diagnose this condition, a physician will have to obtain your full medical history, complete a physical examination and review your MRI or CT scan.

A patient may begin a mild treatment regimen that includes physical therapy and medications. If these conservative treatments do not resolve the problem, surgery may be the next option.

To treat foraminal stenosis, the Bonati Spine Procedures offer an array of surgical techniques that may include:

Laminotomy/Laminectomy: these are decompression surgeries that relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by narrowing of the spinal canal. 

Facetectomy: this procedure is performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerve roots. A laser may be utilized to vaporize the dorsal rami nerve fibers that have become inflamed.  

Discectomy: a procedure in which the diseased portion of the disc that is causing nerve compression is removed using specially adapted patented endoscopic instruments, and the Holmium YAG laser may be used to shrink and remodel the remaining disc.

Facet ablation: A Facet Thermal Ablation is a laser eradication of sensory nerves causing pain. During a Bonati Facet Thermal Ablation (Rhizolysis), surgeons vaporize irritated and painful nerves around the facets of the vertebrae.  

Foraminotomy: A foraminotomy is a decompression surgery performed in order to increases the space of the foramen and hollow out the passageway where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. The procedure involves the removal of bone or tissue that obstructs the neuroforamen and compresses the nerve roots leading to inflammation and radiating pain. 

Speaking with an experienced spinal surgeon can help you determine the best treatment option. At The Bonati Spine Institute, the procedures available are considered among the best in the world. Their experienced professionals can determine your condition and treatment options that will work best so that you can get your quality of life back.

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Treatment Options for a Bulging Disc

For some people, a bulging disc may not lead to any serious symptoms. However, for some, the symptoms can be painful as well as bothersome for everyday living. Left untreated, a bulging disc can actually lead to further spinal issues including nerve compression.

A bulging disc occurs when the inner portion, the nucleus fluid, of an intervertebral disc protrudes from the outer wall of the disc. The bulge can put pressure on the nerve roots, which then leads to pain in the upper and lower extremities, along with other symptoms.

Trauma, such as an auto accident, can cause a bulging disc. But the condition most commonly occurs due to aging. Poor posture can actually weaken the spinal discs and in time, makes the displacement of the nucleus fluid much more likely.

Some symptoms of a bulging disc may include:

• Pain when bending or turning
• Pain made worse with coughing or laughing
• Muscle spasms
• Severe low back pain or neck pain

The majority of the pain a person will experience will be determined by where the disc is bulging. If it is in the upper region of the spine, they’re more likely to have neck issues. A bulging disc in the mid-to-lower spine will lead to pain in the lower extremities, including the legs and/or feet.

If you are dealing with a bulging disc, the only thing you’re worried about is finding relief. Conservative treatments are the first option to consider. There are several bulging disc exercise options and stretches that could help provide some relief.

The Twisting Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and pressed together. Tighten your core and slowly bring both knees down toward your right side. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat this movement with your knees being pushed down to your left side and hold for 10 seconds. You can repeat the twisting stretch up to 3 times a day.

The Bridge

One bulging disc exercise to consider completing is the bridge. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. You should then raise your hips off the ground while keeping your feet firmly planted. The goal is to achieve a straight line from your shoulders through your knees. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then slowly lower your bottom back down. It’s okay if you are unable to hold this position for 10 seconds, hold it as long as you can and then repeat it 3 times.

Knee to Chest Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Slowly bring both your knees toward your chest and use your hands to hold them in place. Hold this position for a few seconds; you should feel a stretch in your lower back. You can also perform this exercise with one leg at a time.

Low Impact Cardio

Low-impact aerobic exercises can not only help you stay active, but also help subside some of the pain associated with a bulging disc. Low impact cardio may include water exercises, walking or stationary biking.

When you are suffering from a bulging disc, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. However, it is important to keep active and build a strong core as it can help protect your back from further injury.

If conventional methods are not helping and you believe that your condition is worsening, contact the professionals at The Bonati Spine Institute. You may be eligible for surgery that can help you get back on your feet.

Visit www.bonati.com to learn more.

Exercises for Helping with Radiculitis Pain

Radiculopathy can lead to debilitating pain that extends throughout the body, which is then referred to as radiculitis. Though radiculopathy and radiculitis might seem like the same thing, radiculitis treatment options will be different as radiculitis is pain that is radiating through the body rather than just one location.

Radiculitis treatment options will usually involve conventional methods, such as hot/cold therapy, over-the-counter medication and physical therapy. By completing physical therapy, you are strengthening muscles around the affected area, which can provide some pain relief.

If you are suffering from back pain, radiculitis treatment options might include some type of exercises to help strengthen your back. Before completing any of these exercises, be sure to consult with your doctor to find out if you can complete them safely. If any of these exercises are painful to complete, do not continue performing them and seek help from a professional.

Upper Back Extension

Back extensions can help alleviate some of the pressure, pain and discomfort you’re feeling. You can complete back extensions at home or your local gym. Start by lying on your stomach. Then, interlock your fingers and clasp your hands behind your lower back. Lift your head and chest slightly from the ground and hold this position for five seconds. Repeat this 8 to 10 times.

Back Stretch

Begin by lying on the floor on your back; it’s best to use a mat or towel on the ground. Bend your knees and put your feet firmly on the ground. Place your hands on the back of your thighs. Bring your needs toward your chest and try to bring you upper body forward. It should feel like you are hugging yourself into a ball while on the ground. Hold this for a few seconds and then stretch your body back out. Repeat this about 10 times.

Core Strengthening

There are various exercises that can be completed to strengthen your core. A stronger core can help support the back, but remember that you do not want to complete exercises that exacerbate your pain.

First, try a bridge. Begin by lying flat on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground. Raise your hips off the floor until they are aligned with your knees and shoulders and hold this pose for 3 deep breaths. Repeat these steps 5 more times.

Another low impact option is water leg lifts. Step into the shallow end of a pool and stand with your back against the pool wall. Keeping one leg on the ground, begin lifting your other leg up in a straight line. This should create a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower your leg. Do the same with the other leg. This is considered one repetition; complete a total of 10 repetitions.

Low Impact Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercise can increase blood flow and nutrients, which aids in the healing process. Walking or riding a stationary bike can provide conditioning, without causing pain or discomfort. Some people suffering from back pain might also choose swimming or other water exercises for pain relief and to strengthen their muscles.

When exercise and conventional treatment methods are no longer working, surgery might be an option for radiculitis treatment. Debridement, which is the removal or torn, inflamed, or damaged spinal tissue can provide relief from the pain you’re experiencing due to radiculitis.

If you are considering treatment options for radiculitis, learn about the Bonati Spine Institute on Vitals.

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Treatment Options for Radiculitis

Any type of spinal condition can lead to pain. However, when the condition begins to impede on your day-to-day life, it is important to determine not only what is wrong, but also what treatment options are available.

Radiculitis is caused by the inflammation of the nerves at the root, where it connects to the spinal column.  The pain that radiates from the compressed nerves through the body is what is referred to as radiculitis. This pain can eventually become debilitating. Radiculitis can occur anywhere on the spine, but it most often affects the lower back and the neck.

What Causes Radiculitis?

Radicular pain may occur when nucleus pulposus, the chemical in the center of the spinal disc, comes through the disc and touches a nerve. When this pain begins to radiate throughout the area affected or other body parts, this is radiculitis. 

• Cervical radiculitis – a nerve root in the lower spinal segment is impacted

• Lumbar radiculitis – a nerve root in the upper segment is impacted

If a cervical nerve root is impacted, a person is much more likely to experience pain in the neck, shoulders and arms. Lumbar radiculitis is much more likely to cause pain in the lower back, buttocks and upper legs. 

Treatment Options

After being diagnosed with radiculitis or another spinal condition causing radiculitis, treatment begins with something conservative. For example, a physician may suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications and physical therapy. Heat and/or cold therapy may also be used to reduce symptoms.

Though some may find relief in these conservative treatments, they are short-lived. Some patients might find that the radicular pain subsides for a few weeks but ultimately returns. Though a person may opt to continue the course of conservative treatment, some may wish to explore other options, such as surgical intervention. 

Laser debridement is one of the treatment options available at The Bonati Spine Institute for radiculitis. The procedure involves the removal of torn, inflamed or damaged dead tissue. By doing this, the impacted nerves are properly treated in order to reduce pain.

This type of intervention may be necessary in order to prevent muscle weakness. Unfortunately, radiculitis may go for only certain muscle groups or one side of the body. As a result, that side may become more weakened as the patient favors the muscles that are stronger.

If you believe that you may be suffering from radiculitis, schedule an appointment with your physician today. A complete medical evaluation and imaging tests may be necessary to determine the precise cause of your radicular pain. Upon receiving a diagnosis, your physician can discuss the treatment options available.

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