Foraminal Stenosis Treatment in New Jersey

Expert surgical care for nerve root compression caused by foraminal stenosis—available at Atlantic Brain and Spine

What Is Foraminal Stenosis?

Foraminal stenosis is a condition where the small openings between your spinal vertebrae—called foramina—become narrowed, compressing the nerve roots that exit the spinal cord. This nerve compression can lead to radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the stenosis. The condition can affect the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back) and often worsens with age or degenerative changes.

How Is Foraminal Stenosis Different from Spinal Stenosis?

While both involve narrowing in the spine, foraminal stenosis specifically affects the nerve passageways on either side of the vertebrae, whereas spinal stenosis involves narrowing of the central spinal canal itself. Foraminal stenosis usually leads to one-sided symptoms, such as shooting pain down one arm or leg, while central spinal stenosis may cause bilateral symptoms or myelopathy.

Common Causes of Foraminal Stenosis

• Herniated discs pressing into the foramen
• Degenerative disc disease reducing disc height
• Osteoarthritis and bone spur formation
• Spondylosis or spinal arthritis
• Congenital spinal abnormalities
• Spine trauma or injury

Symptoms of Foraminal Stenosis

Symptoms vary depending on severity and spinal level, but may include:

• Neck or lower back pain
• Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in arms or legs
• Weakness or loss of coordination
• Loss of grip strength or leg function
• In severe cases, bowel or bladder dysfunction

When to Consider Surgery

If foraminal stenosis is causing progressive weakness, loss of function, or disabling pain, surgery may be necessary. At Atlantic Brain and Spine, our neurosurgeons offer advanced decompression procedures designed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve roots and restore mobility.

Surgical Treatments for Foraminal Stenosis

Our team of fellowship-trained neurosurgeons—including Dr. Kimberly Ashayeri, Dr. Jonathan Baskin, Dr. Kyle Chapple, and Dr. Stephen Johnson—specialize in the surgical treatment of foraminal stenosis. Depending on your imaging and symptoms, your treatment plan may include:

• Foraminotomy: Removing bone or disc material to widen the foramen and decompress the nerve root.
• Laminectomy: Removing part of the lamina to access and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Spinal Fusion: Stabilizing the spine after decompression using bone grafts and titanium instrumentation.

We use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to shorten recovery time and reduce discomfort.

Diagnosing Foraminal Stenosis

A comprehensive evaluation includes a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans. When necessary, nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) may be performed to assess nerve function and pinpoint the exact site of compression.

Why Choose Atlantic Brain and Spine?

• Fellowship-trained neurosurgeons specializing in nerve decompression
• Experience with complex and minimally invasive spine surgery
• Robotic navigation technology for surgical precision
• Multiple locations across New Jersey for convenience
• Compassionate, personalized care from diagnosis to recovery

Schedule a Consultation for Foraminal Stenosis

If you’re experiencing persistent radiating pain or weakness, our surgical spine team can help. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent long-term damage and get you back to a better quality of life.

Request a Consultation Today