Foraminal Stenosis
Foraminal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces on the sides of the spine where nerves exit from the spine to the legs or hands. When the foramen narrows, it compresses a specific nerve root, producing sharp, localised pain, tingling, or weakness along that nerve's pathway.
Symptoms
Mild to severe pain from the lower back through the buttocks, thigh, calf, and foot — typically one side
Pain from the neck or upper back into the shoulder, arm, and fingers — typically one side
Tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness in one leg and foot, or one arm and hand
Increasing pain with lifting and bending — especially postures that narrow the foramen further
Pain worsening with prolonged rest, sitting, standing, or walking
Morning stiffness and back or neck pain that may increase or ease with movement
Dizziness or vertigo with position changes — cervical foraminal involvement
Reduced bladder or bowel control — rare in foraminal stenosis, but seek urgent care if present
Foraminal stenosis rarely causes bladder or bowel dysfunction — if these symptoms are present alongside leg weakness, central canal compression (cauda equina syndrome) should be urgently excluded by MRI.
