Foraminal stenosis is a painful condition characterized by the narrowing of small openings along the spine. Many people living with foraminal stenosis are able to find relief through conservative treatment, but for others, surgery is an option.

If you’ve decided to pursue surgery to treat foraminal stenosis, you’re likely wondering what to expect. Foraminal stenosis recovery can be a daunting process, especially when you’re not armed with the information you’ll need in the days and weeks following surgery. Here are three questions that you can ask your doctor to ensure that you’re prepared for the recovery process:

1. How can I manage my pain? You may be in pain following your procedure, and your doctor can provide you with advice on the best pain management techniques for your condition. He or she may recommend that you use or stay away from certain pain medications, or that you use other techniques to minimize discomfort.
2. Which activities should I avoid? Your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain activities, such as lifting heavy objects or twisting/bending in a certain way, to prevent injury and further aggravation of your condition.
3. When will I start feeling better? If you’re still in pain following your procedure, your doctor can provide you with a reasonable estimate for when you should begin feeling more like yourself again. If you’re still in pain after that time, it may be necessary to follow up with your doctor to reassess your condition.

If you’re planning to undergo surgery for foraminal stenosis, we encourage you to contact USA Spine Care to learn more about our minimally invasive foraminotomy. During these procedures, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to remove whatever is blocking your foramina, thereby reducing pressure on the nerve roots within. Our minimally invasive spine surgery is often clinically appropriate and provides many advantages versus open neck or back surgery.^ When you call, we can set up a free MRI review* to help determine whether you may be a candidate for our minimally invasive procedures.

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