Foraminal Stenosis

Foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the cervical disc space) may arise without any disc herniation. The majority of symptoms is usually caused by one nerve root on one side. Typically, the condition is characterized by:

·         The pain develops slowly (versus acute pain)

·         May develop over many years

·         The pain is not continuous

·         The pain is related to an activity (such as bicycle riding) or position (such as holding the neck in an extended position)

The condition is caused by enlargement of a joint (the uncinate process) in the spinal canal and can be confirmed by either an MRI scan or a CT with myelogram.

Unlike many other back or neck conditions, most conservative treatments (such as medications or other modalities) are unlikely to be of much benefit. Traction may provide some pain relief.

Most often, patients choose either activity modification or surgery to relieve pressure in the nerve root

Surgery usually includes anterior fusion of the vertebra, and the resulting elimination of the natural range of motion often results in further damage to adjacent discs. This cervical disc surgery is called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Over the past 15 years a breakthrough treatment for cervical Degenerative Disc Disease has been developed in Europe known as Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) or Disc Arthroplasty. A disc prosthesis is implanted between the vertebra after removing the core of the damaged disc. Disc space is restored and range of motion is maintained limiting further damage. Disc Replacement surgery can also be used to eliminate damage in adjacent discs where previous spinal fusion exists.

Disc Replacement or Disc Arthroplasty, as compared to other orthopedic disciplines, is the next evolutionary step in spine surgery. Cervical Disc Replacement is now commercially available in Europe and many other countries. FDA trials are underway and should be concluded within the next few years, although many Americans have been going to Germany, to avoid Spinal Fusion and get their Artificial Disc Replacement surgery for years.

Artificial Disc Replacement | Degenerative Disc Disease | Discectomy and Laminotomy | Discectomy with Fusion | Foraminal Stenosis | Cervical DDD

Internal Disc Disruption | Radicular pain of the neck |Treatment of Cervical Disc Disease | Jim's ADR story | SB Charite III | Lumbar DDD | Other Resourses