Spinal Stenosis: Foraminal & Central Canal

What is Spinal Stenosis?


Spinal Stenosis is a term used to describe when the spinal canal shrinks in size. The canal can shrink due to several factors. Often the cause of spinal stenosis is disc herniations. When the disc herniates, it occupies space that can interfere with the nerves in the spinal canal.

Another cause of spinal stenosis is when a ligament called the ligamentum flavum thickens and therefore shrinks the spinal canal. Sometimes these two issues can happen simultaneously and cause a severe interference of the nerves. The MRI above is an example of severe stenosis.


Foraminal Stenosis
Foraminal stenosis is when the hole where the nerve exits closes or shrinks in size. This shrinkage causes the nerve to become irritated. Pain will usually shoot down your leg or arm depending on which nerve is pinched. Many different factors can influence this foraminal stenosis. Two of the more common factors are a disc herniation and degenerative factors that cause the hole to shrink.



Conventional treatment for spinal stenosis without significant neurological compromise can include medications, physical therapy, and spinal injections. If there is significant neurological compromise, surgical intervention could be the best option. Ultimately each case is unique and some patients are candidates for non-surgical spinal decompression.

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a treatment that allows the disc herniation to shrink and heal. This opens the spinal or foraminal canal and relieves pressure from the irritated nerves. Properly selected patients enjoy an over 90% success rate with non-surgical spinal decompression.


What’s Next?

To learn more about conservative treatment options for spinal stenosis issues, feel free to provide your contact information and we will mail you our “Severe Back, Sciatica, & Disc Pain Guide” and our “Severe Back Pain Exercise Guide” FREE of charge. These guides will further educate you about conservative treatment options related to spinal stenosis and disc problems.

"...as an orthopedic surgeon, it is refreshing to see advances for the treatment of chronic back pain and herniated discs. It just so happens this medical technology is helping doctor and patient alike. - Anthony Melillo, M.D., Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon