If you have lumbar foraminal narrowing, you are probably looking for ways to treat the condition without resorting to surgical methods. Lumbar foraminal narrowing is when the foraminal canal — the canal on the side of the spine that enables the nerves to exit the spinal cord — narrows in the lower back. This often occurs gradually as part of the natural aging process or as a result of another degenerative condition, such as a bulging or herniated disc, bone spur or arthritis of the spine. It often causes symptoms in the lower back that can travel all the way down to the leg and foot, including pain, muscle weakness, tingling and burning, numbness, delayed reflexes and limited mobility.

In order to alleviate the symptoms of lumbar foraminal narrowing, you can try conservative treatments at home, including:

1. Stretches and yoga
2. Corticosteroid injections
3. Low-impact exercise
4. Hot/cold compresses
5. Pain medication
6. Weight loss, if appropriate

In some cases, your physician may recommend open back surgery to remove just enough tissue in the spinal column to reduce nerve compression. However, at USA Spine Care, we offer minimally invasive surgery that requires a less than 1-inch incision, incorporates muscle-sparing techniques and is often a clinically appropriate alternative over traditional open spine surgery.^

Contact USA Spine Care today to learn more about the minimally invasive spine surgeries we offer. We will be happy to provide you with a free MRI review* to help determine whether you’re a candidate for treatment at one of our state-of-the-art surgery centers.

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