If you are experiencing pain in your lower back and your doctor has determined foraminal narrowing is the cause, you are likely curious to learn more about your condition. Also known as foraminal stenosis, this condition can occur when the spaces through which the nerves in the spine pass begin to narrow due to an underlying spinal condition, such as a bulging disc or bone spur. Foraminal narrowing can lead to pain and other bothersome symptoms when a nerve root becomes compressed, which can radiate along the nerve root to other areas of the body.

Yoga poses that may help relieve foraminal narrowing symptoms

Yoga is a popular alternative treatment option and can be incorporated into a conservative regimen that includes pain medications, physical therapy and hot/cold therapy. If you are experiencing foraminal narrowing pain in your lower back and your physician has given you the green light to try some light yoga stretches in an attempt to alleviate your symptoms, you’ll be happy to know there are several popular poses that can help relieve muscle tightness and improve your flexibility. Some poses you may be interested in trying include:

• Downward facing dog. Start on your knees with your hands flat on the floor in front of you. Slowly lift your knees and straighten your legs while your hands remain on the floor. Look toward your knees and hold.
• Sphinx pose. Lie on your stomach with your legs together and extended behind you. Place your elbows under your shoulders and slowly lift your chest off the floor while keeping your hips flat.
• Cat/cow. Start on your hands and knees and slowly drop your chin to your chest and arch your back up. Then, take a breath and lift your head up and look to the ceiling while arching your back down.
• Child’s pose. Kneel with your legs hip-width apart, then drop your chest down toward the floor with your arms outstretched. Rest your head on the ground and hold.
• Standing forward bend. From a standing position, slowly bend forward and touch your fingers to the floor while keeping your legs as straight as possible. Tuck your chin toward your chest.

As always, you should consult your doctor before exercising and immediately stop any exercise that causes additional discomfort.

What to do if your symptoms persist

Many individuals are able to find relief from foraminal narrowing pain after several weeks or months of conservative and alternative treatment. However, if you’ve adhered to your treatment plan and haven’t experienced any relief, you may need to consider spine surgery. While open spine surgery has been the traditional option, USA Spine Care offers minimally invasive surgery that is a safer and effective alternative.^ We will be happy to provide a free MRI review* to help determine of you are a candidate for our procedures.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find relief from foraminal narrowing pain, contact USA Spine Care today.

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