What is Foraminal Stenosis?

If you have experienced back pain, neck pain, numbness, tingling, weakness or loss of coordination it may be due to foraminal stenosis.
These symptoms are often the results of a painful spinal condition known as foraminal narrowing or foraminal stenosis. Join Dr. Jeff Langmaid to learn more.
_______________________________________
Jeff Langmaid is a chiropractor, author, and speaker. He built the worlds largest research-focused chiropractic communication service, The Evidence Based Chiropractor. He also is the founder of Chiro Office Coverage. Throughout his career he has been featured on Yahoo Health, MSN Health, CBS, ABC, Prevention Magazine, Chiropractic Economics, Circle of Docs, The Chiropractic Philanthropist, amongst others.
The Evidence Based Chiropractor KZbin channel is designed to provide immediate, action-able knowledge regarding chiropractic, communication, business, and marketing. All to help you grow and develop your practice.
Learn more at-
The Evidence Based Chiropractor: www.TheEvidenceBasedChiropract...
Chiro Office Coverage: www.ChiroOfficeCoverage.com
Facebook: / theevidencebasedchirop...

[@NinjaJ10]

Just had an MRI that showed degenerative disc + foraminal stenosis. As someone with severe health anxiety, this video provided so much reassurance. Thank you!

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

My pleasure- thank you!

[@JN-qj9gf]

About a year ago I had pain numbness and tingling in my left arm/hand. MRI revealed severe foraminal stenosis on both sides. My Dr was sceptical much could be done and was scripting me epidural injections and an appointment with the spine doctor. I thought my life was changing for the worse. I ended up seeing a physio who made a big difference with just a massage in the first appointment (this was after weeks of pain), then a few weeks of simple exercises and the symptoms were nearly all gone. I get minor stiffness and soreness occasionally (and weakness in very specific positions) but it's not enough to impact my life (at least for the moment). So yeah if you're watching this because you've been diagnosed, go see a physio before you start panicking/planning more extreme fixes.

[@quisisreal]

Physio?

[@donblade5405]

@@quisisreal I guess he means rehab

[@imveryhungry112]

You need to get a spinal fusion 😊

[@zKaizen8]

How are you doing now? Can you share some of the exercises that you’re doing?

[@vl8429]

This happened to me 4 years ago, i did the same thing, physio, but it is now back, worse than ever.

[@musilate]

Best description ever, thank you.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you :)

[@donmiller4885]

Outstanding explanation thank you !!

[@naureenkhan3032]

Best explanation. It answered all my questions what i couldn't find browsing for weeks...

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Glad it helped! Thank you!

[@shaunarop3725]

Thanks for an actual clear explanation!!!

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

You're welcome Shauna- thank you!

[@donh8517]

Best short video I have watched on Foraminal Stenosis. Great explanation for anybody to be able to understand.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

thank you for the kind words!

[@analeahh]

One of the best explanations on KZbin 👏

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thank you Anna! Appreciate your feedback :)

[@d.parker4328]

Thank you. It's easy to understand now since you explained it so well.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thank you!!

[@jlappin6277]

Great job at explaining why and what is stenosis.thanks again for your input.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

my pleasure - thank you for watching!

[@DistinctiveLightEntertainment]

THANK YOU

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

You're welcome- thanks for tuning in!

[@Nialee-wp3oi]

Thank you. Clear.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

You're welcome!

[@pamelamadison568]

I had a Cervical Spine X-ray that concluded mild to moderate osseous foraminal C4-C5 on the right, mild osseous foraminal C5-C6 & C6-C7, mild osseous foraminal C4-C5 on the left. I have been having strong vibrations to the back of my upper and lower arms as well as my hands mostly the left. I get a pushing feeling in my right shoulder blade which tends to cause weakness in my arm and cause a slight slump. Currently waiting for an MRI approval. I've read many of these comments and I too want to thank you for your very informative video. I can understand visuals much better when it comes to medical terminology. THANK YOU SO MUCH. 😊

[@imveryhungry112]

You need to get a multi level spinal fusion and you feel better then 😊

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thank you and I wish you the best!

[@GR65330]

For the past couple of months, I have suffering from femoral neuralgia and recently, I had a MRI done on my lumbar spine. It demonstrated severe foramina narrowing especially at L3, L4 L5 and S1 levels. The next step for me is neural testing at those levels but probably, I will need surgery to repair the stenosis. FYI, I'm a retired chiropractor.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Wish you the best in your recovery!

[@team2mom805]

I had the same MRI results. Do you know what surgery you’re going to be getting?

[@GR65330]

@@team2mom805 I believe it will be a partial facetectomy (L3-L4). A neurosurgeon will be doing the surgery.

[@sumangowda1188]

Great it was helpful...I got to know about this by my doc yesterday.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thank you for the comment!

[@learnwithnej634]

Best explanation 👌👌👌

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@rickhartley5306]

Thank you so much for this. You don't know how many times I wanted to ask these questions. But you realize you only get 5 minutes with any doctor and they do the talking not us probably because we don't know what we're talking about. But thanks to you maybe just maybe we can narrow this down. Or I can at? Least. Have a better understanding on what's going on and seek the best treatment and the best doctors to treat . Thank you for taking the time to explain. These are the best videos for patients to understand what's going on.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

My pleasure- thank you for the thoughtful comment!

[@savannahprice2615]

Thank you this explanation! My son (he’s 2) has this. He was born with sacral malformations, no tailbone and anorectal malformations and a tethered spinal cord. We just had lots of imaging. I worry about pain.

[@VezzyJo]

Thank you doc for the informations. I now have a better understanding of Foraminal stenosis. As I had a bulging disc L4/L5 on my left lower lumbar and at that time they CT scan found mild foraminal stenosis. Took me 6 weeks to get back to my almost normal condition. Any advice in the future from preventing this happening?

[@melaniebrooke4782]

I wish I could come and see you!! I’ve had numerous findings on my cervical spine MRI. You’re obviously not in Australia lol!

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thank you! That's right, I'm in the US.

[@gramps5157]

I never heard of a ligament entering into the foraminal opening but I'll take your word for it. How would they get the ligament out of the way? Surgery or Chiropractic?

[@gs7788]

Fantastic! When excersise be good for lateral foramen stenosis resulting from a hernia?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hey Grzegroz, you'll want to have a proper evaluation to get a treatment plan; but in general exercises like Cat's and Camel's can be benficial.

[@williamhager7136]

I have severe bilateral foraminal stenosis. Hopefully I can get some relief soon

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hoping you are able to reclaim your quality of life!

[@Michael-co3tl]

This was. a great video, these are my results from December. FINDINGS: No acute fracture or malalignment. Moderate C4-5 mild C5-6 disc space narrowing moderate left C4-5 and C5-6 neural foraminal narrowing. Minimal right C5-6 neural foraminal narrowing. No cervical ribs or bone lesions. Soft tissues are normal. IMPRESSION: 1. Multilevel disc disease and bilateral neural foraminal stenosis as above. The neck, back pinching/pain and dizziness (pressure around eyes) eventually did fade away about a month later but i think i did something again to that area last week (pulled on my neck during crunches or overhead weights) and now im lightheaded, feeling pressure around the eyes and back of head, and my upper back there is a really bad "pinch" feeling. Doc, is it normal as a side effect to this issue to have the dizziness, pressure in the head?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hello, while I can't provide specific medical advice, dizziness can sometimes occur with stenosis/narrowing but should always also be checked out independently.

[@1HeathersJourney]

I also have this impacting L5 S1 is this something a chiropractor would be able to help give relief for.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

In many cases yes! I would recommend visiting a local chiropractor for a complete evaluation where they can provide a detailed answered based upon your condition.

[@draperlamarcakes]

I have been recently given this diagnosis. Dealing with pain ea h day. Numbness and tingling down my right arm, into my palm/fingers. Due to bone spurs and foraminal narrowing in the C4/C7 region. So awful to endure. 😢

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Sorry to hear it- hope you can find relief soon!

[@hasnainhamzabangash2147]

I have problem L5/S1 there is forminal disc extrusion cousing seen stenosis of left exiting nerve root

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Sorry to hear that- I would follow up with a doctor locally to receive a complete evaluation and care plan!

[@randomthingsasmr4063]

Can this cause fatigue I feel tired all the time and my left arm and leg go numb if I am standing or walking to long I am at moderate c5/c6

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

It could, I would follow up with a local doctor. Some "pinches" like Spinal Stenosis can also create fatigue and numbness and tingling in the legs.

[@shazcatlady6178]

Trauma to my neck 3 1/2 years ago , no stenosis at the time but now severe stenosis at c5 &c6 . Could this be directly associated to the trauma .?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

It very well could be, i recommend getting a full evaluation from a local doctor.

[@Fluke112]

Can this be caused by a fall? As i fell from a lorry trailer on my back and my lower backs been sore ever since and very sore thigh pain especially when trying to sleep, mri showed i have right sided disk protusion L5/S1 displacement of s1 nerve root

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

can't speak specifically to your case but yes trauma can create disc issues that result in nerve compression.

[@RomoSanchTech]

Great and informative video. I have been told i have minor cervical foraminal stenosis and lower cervical mild degeneration due to car accident. I notice on and off mild symptoms of tingling in one arm, some off-balance sensations (both when sitting or standing), and some other pulling/pressure sensations in face. Ive never received an mri, only an x-ray. Since I don’t have any significant pain and only the off/on tingling and balance issues, would you encourage me to seek out an MRI or additional testing?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thank you for the comment- based on what you have said above- yes, i would recommend following up with your local doctor!

[@tanishqthakur1997]

Hey man! Namaste 🙏🇮🇳 I'm from India and i have disc bulge in l4l5 and l5s1 causing bilateral posterolateral nerve compression. And ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Please help me

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

I'm sorry to hear about your condition. I'd recommend following up with a local doctor for a full evaluation and care plan.

[@padye1980]

Dr..can they do surgury for severe neuro forminal narrowing..

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Yes, most spinal surgery take place due to compressive pathology (spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, etc).

[@padye1980]

Thank you for reply and all the video

[@basudevjana3818]

Can you please suggest best exercise and stretching for foraminal narrowing at L4 and L5 level.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hello and great question- I'd recommend visiting a local healthcare provider to help guide you based on your specific challenges, etc.

[@basudevjana3818]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor Thanks but it would be great if you suggest.

[@anikaemmons3443]

Can you help me understand this l4-l5 bulging disc There is no significant canal or foraminal stenosis, l5-s1 there have no canal and no foraminal narrowing? What’s this mean?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hello Anika, in general,no canal or foraminal narrowing means "no pinching on the nerves".

[@anikaemmons3443]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor so for l4-l5 are they seeing they see some there? But that on l5-s1 it’s ok?

[@geraldholcomb2049]

Could you do a video on the differences between congenital vs acquired? I have short pedicles which cause my foraminal stenosis and it seems doctors don't understand the differences.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Great idea- yes I can shoot a video on this topic!

[@geraldholcomb2049]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor thank you!🙂

[@Karunch215]

I'd definitely be interested in seeing a video like that! I was told that I have a congenitally narrow spine, and developmetnally short pedicles!

[@iamstacs]

Hello do you have any wisdom or product recommendation that will assist me? I am 32 years old and surgery was not recommended by my Dr. My MRI reading is Impression: 1. There is congenital decrease in the anteroposterior diameter of the cervical spinal canal at C3-C4 and C4-C5. 2. There is mild degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, and diffuse posterior disc bulges at C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7. 3. There is mild central canal spinal stenosis at C3-C4 and mild to moderate neural foraminal stenosis bilaterally. 4. There is very mild central canal spinal stenosis at C4-C5 and moderate neural foraminal stenosis bilaterally worse on the left. 5. There is moderate neural foraminal stenosis bilaterally at C5-C6. 6. There is mild right and moderate left neural foraminal stenosis at C6-C7. My Doctor's concern has been the moderate findings, but he does not recommend surgery. The pinched nerves are annoying! Top of the head, down the leg, I think even the stomach

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hello, thank you for commenting. Unfortunately, to make a proper plan, you'll need a complete physical evaluation, history, and review of imaging. While I can't speak to your case specifically, in general foraminal stenosis can often be relieved with movement-based care such as chiropractic and/or physical therapy.

[@iamstacs]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor Thank you, my body has stopped responding to physical therapy so There may be a greater issue

[@monicahill93]

I have this in my c6/7. It’s pulling my neck and going through shoulder. I get ablasions done to burn the nerve

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Sorry to hear and hope you are able to find relief.

[@stevenciesiel777]

I was in a recent car accident got a cervical thoracic mri and the results weren’t good 😬. The cervical mri revealed disk protrusions with moderate to mild stenosis thoracic revealed a few disk extrusions and a bulging disk been definitively having symptoms sharp pain In the shoulder blade area neck is stiff back pain forgot to mention cervical spondylosis as well at 40 yrs old.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

(not medical advice) Findings on MRI are a normal part of the aging process- the most important thing is that the treating doctors use the imaging findings and combine them with a thorough movement-based exam/assessment to determine the best plan of action. Disc bulges and herniations do NOT mean the only options are surgery or injections.

[@charlottebruce979]

Ive just been diagnosed with this, I'm pretty sure its due to heavy bag carrying over my neck area and long periods of standing with bad posture. Could this be the cause of this condition? I only have neck head pain no numbness or tingling, can I make a full revovery if its caused by heavy bags etc?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hope you are able to find relief. I can't speak to your specific case, but, in general, heavy loading over a long period of time can be a contributing factor.

[@travisricks3436]

What does “multi level anterior osteophytes of thoracic spine” mean?? I stay in severe pain 24/7. I have problems in my thoracic spine and lumbar spine. I also have 8 bulging discs, facet arthropathy, and neural foraminal stenosis. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO RELIEVE MY PAIN? I’m a 39 year old male. THANK YOU

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Good question- bone spurs on the front of the vertebrae/bones!

[@milleramwayi2789]

What is the ultimate intervention for bilaterally foraminal narrowing..on both sides

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Great question- there is no one size fits all solution. In general, movement-based care is recommended by nearly every major health care journal and organization as a first line option.

[@jenniferlee9029]

Sir where is the left neural foramen? Is it the neck. I am having neck stiffness for weeks now? My mri showed this.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

While I can't speak to your specific condition and situation, in general, foraminal narrowing can lead to pain and stiffness.

[@rippyowens3903]

I got a 2 level cervical disc replacement because my foraminal narrowing was worse than i could ever explain. From my experience, it seems once discs are herniated the body can never repair them on its own

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Statistically, most heal on their own- but not all. Glad you were able to find relief.

[@Liljon1983]

Any neck exercises that can open the space of the foraminal area

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

There are quite a few that can help with symptoms. I'd recommend following up with a local doctor for a full evaluation and care plan.

[@athomewithmelissa]

@C J what neck exercises are you doing to help?

[@jawadbaig3046]

What is the treatment of mild left neural foraminal stenosis and encouragement of the existing nerves?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

(not medical advice)- In many cases, conservative, movement-based care is recommended for mild compression.

[@jawadbaig3046]

Thanks! What do you think if the disc has been dried since months, will it be fixed by a chiropractic treatment or it will remain same for life? However, a neurosurgeon has advised for a ACDF or disc replacement surgery. Looking forward for your valuable advice. Thanks!

[@carey_metv]

FINDINGS: 11 mm L5-S1 anterolisthesis. There are bilateral L5 pars defects. Because of the anterolisthesis and the disc bulge extending into the foramina there is severe L5 foramen narrowing bilaterally. Mild broad-based disc bulge at L1-L2 and L4-L5 without significant narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina. This is my assessment results can chiropractic's help me? Thanks.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Difficult to say, I recommend seeing a local doctor. Chiropractors can not help stabilize unstable spondys, but depending on your case history and symptoms they may be able to help reduce some of the symptoms temporarily. With a large slippage and bi-lateral pars defects I do recommend evaluation locally.

[@carey_metv]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor Thank you for your quick response! I have been to a doctor and a neurosurgeon and she had go to PT and that hasn't been helping the pain so now I've been referred to a pain management center I'm just worried there gonna have me on pain meds indefinitely and was curious if this would help. Again thank you for taking the time to respond back much appreciated!

[@carey_metv]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor you deserve way more subscribers you definitely earned mine!

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

@@carey_metv thank you!

[@frankcapobianco755]

I have very similar findings as yours. My take is that there is very little that can be done, short of spinal fusion, due to anterolisthesis being the cause of the foraminal stenosis. I see that your comment is from 3 years ago, I was wondering how things have progressed for you. Thank you.

[@Deanosthegreat]

My MRI says I have bilateral neural foraminal stenosis L5 S1 with compression on the left nerve. I also have LLD due to my left hip being hiked up. I don't have any disc bulges or degenerative disease. Could the stenosis be caused by the hip hike causing the compression?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

While I can't speak to your case specifically- nerves are typically compressed by bone, disc, or ligament. So it can be more, or different, than just a disc pressing on a nerve.

[@Deanosthegreat]

@Theevidencebasedchiropractor thanks, I understand. Do any of the CE nerves exit through L5 S1 foraminal canal?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

@@Deanosthegreat what do you mean by "CE"?

[@Deanosthegreat]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor sorry, Cauda Equina

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

@@Deanosthegreat yes cauda equina can occur due to compressions at L5-S1 from my understanding. In practice, chiropractors would typically refer patients with symptoms associated with CE immediately and directly to a surgeon for evaluation (due to CE being a "red flag" type clinical presentation)

[@Mom-tk9rz]

I had MRI done 2 yrs ago after sudden start if pain & found I have multilevel degenerative changes, most severe at c5-c6 where there is moderate right foraminal stenosis and mild central canal stenosis. I don’t have pain now, but a nervy feeling in my mid neck thru my upper mid back. Been to 3 different types of chiropractors. improved but then got worse & never perfect. Sitting affects me. The nervy feeling started now after seeing an upper cervical chiropractor (atlas orthogonal). Wondering if there is any hope? What else is there to help this naturally?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Many people have success with a combination of specific stretches, exercises, chiropractic, and limiting their inflammation. I'd follow up with your local doctor!

[@Haddley333]

have you had any luck now?

[@Mom-tk9rz]

@@Haddley333 Yes, doing better. Seeing a blair upper cervical chiro. He changed by now doing a different type of scan to see misalignments, a CBCT scan. Helped alot. Takes time to heal. But am much better then before. Also doing some homeopathic.

[@Sunsetyu437]

At C5-6 there is mild to moderate stenosis ,the Dr right away suggest surgical procedure … 46 male ,kind of scare about it any tips?

[@whatsit2ya247]

​@@Sunsetyu437 I don't really have any advice but I can tell you about fifteen years ago I had a c56 cervical fusion after every other treatment under the sun, worse decision I ever made! Made my pain ten times worse and had to retire from work and now a life of pain meds. They thought maybe the level up was causing the pain so they fused that one, no change, now an MRI shows major narrowing of the 2-3 nerves! I tried chiropractor and ended up getting a stroke two minutes after the neck snap! Had an epidural in my neck and passed out on the floor and more pain. 🤷

[@laziaffaizal143]

Sir i have grade 2 Spondylolesthesis l5 over s1 forward slip and moderte bilateral foraminal narrowing I have no pain in l5 vertibral area but when I put down or up my head I have pain in right side lower back muscles and side of stomach sir, who can treat this give a reply sir.......

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hello, it's impossible for me to comment directly on your specific case. But in the event of low back pain, I would recommend getting an evaluation locally from a movement-based healthcare specialist (such as a chiropractor).

[@ibrahimwahla3655]

hello Sir, I have just an MRI done of my Lumbar spine. and the results are quite good i.e there is no disc bulge, herniation or degenration and the disc are healthy as well except there is foraminal stenosis at L4 L5 level due to bone spur. plzz suggest me any remedy.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Hello- great to hear you have no reported disc bulges or herniations. Care for formainal stenosis typically starts with options like chiropractic or physical therapy (as long as you have no red flags). I would follow up with your doctor to get a plan of action. You'll need an assessment, history, etc. Best of luck!

[@ibrahimwahla3655]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor thnx sir, I have intermittent mild lower back pain particularly while standing and sitting and get relief when I lay down. I am thinking about chiropractic, Just wondet whether chiropractic will be effective in my case?

[@whatsit2ya247]

​@@ibrahimwahla3655 I realize this is out of date, but recommending chiropractor? Yes perhaps for lumbar issues but I'd be very wary of cervical manipulation, even br a seasoned professional, I had it done awhile back and had a stroke as a bonus! Yeah, it's a real thing.😮

[@rowdyrobbyrider4226]

Great explanation! I was involved in a car accident and an MRI has revealed this. A month later I have no symptoms except maybe some tightness. I have been recommended to a spine specialist and am questioning if it is necessary at this point. Is this something that can worsen and cause problems later? I am a pretty active person and it hasn’t seemed to affect me in any way so far.

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Thank you for tuning in! In general, injuries are part of the aging process. So yes, an injury when younger "may" lead to challenges down the road, but it depends on a ton of different factors.

[@stephc2393]

Foraminal Stenosis, be caused by trauma? Like car accident?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Absolutely, a car accident has the potential to cause a disc bulge/herniation which can "pinch" a nerve or result in foraminal stenosis.

[@paulyoung4781]

Right ok is there some sort cure to get rid of this

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

No "cure" however there are ways to find improvement. I'd highly recommend movement-based care before drugs or surgery in most cases (full evaluation must be performed to provide specifics)

[@paulyoung4781]

Thanks appreciated so much

[@denisrodrigue829]

I have a severe cervical foraminal stenosis C5-C6 and it burn in my arm all the time,osteopathy,massage,chiropratic didn't help me

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Sorry to hear that Denis- I hope you're able to find relief.

[@denisrodrigue829]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor I'm supposed to receive an epidural soon, will see🙏

[@livinmalyfe08]

what is foraminal encroachment?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

When is a nerve is pinched exiting the spine. It can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling.

[@livinmalyfe08]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor thank you

[@julielarge6120]

You can't if you've got ME as well as this.

[@lincyc5502]

👍

[@iamstacs]

Do you have an email?

[@Theevidencebasedchiropractor]

Sure do!

[@iamstacs]

@@Theevidencebasedchiropractor what is it please