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Thoracic Foraminal Stenosis

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Understanding the Three Regions of your Spine

There are three regions of the spine that affect various nerves and parts of your body.  The first is the cervical region; second is the thoracic region and third is the lumbar region.  Each area of your spine is comprised of vertebrae, discs, nerves and nerve roots.  The thoracic region is the middle area of your spine and it is made up of 12 thoracic vertebrae.  The size of the vertebrae increases as you move down the spine starting with the smallest vertebrae located in the cervical area. 

Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

When the spinal cord or nerves are compressed by either the narrowing in the spinal canal or vertebrae, thoracic spinal stenosis occurs.  Though the size of the spinal cord remains the same in the thoracic area, the canal is narrower in that region. Due to the area of the thoracic spine, thoracic spinal stenosis is often associated with either the cervical or lumbar region of the spine.  The ribs provide more stability to the thoracic spine and therefore it is a rotational movement. 

Thoracic Foraminal Stenosis

For those who suffer from foraminal stenosis, the symptoms are often the same as thoracic spinal stenosis.  The difference in thoracic foraminal stenosis is one or more vertebral foramen being affected. Most often, age is the cause of this because over time, the foramen can become compressed.  The main cause of this is disc bulging or herniation.

Thoracic foraminal stenosis may be congenital, however it can also be degenerative.  The latter is most often the cause of this condition.  As degeneration occurs, pain may worsen or increase either during or after activity or extended periods of standing. 

For those suffering from congenital thoracic foraminal stenosis, a minor injury may hasten the symptoms of this condition as the canal is already narrow and compression easily occurs. 

Treatment for Thoracic Foraminal Stenosis

Anti-inflammatory and over the counter medication as well as physical therapy are often helpful and effective in treating thoracic foraminal stenosis.  Cortisone has also offered patients relief though there is a limit as to how many injections one can have over a defined amount of time. 

If your doctor determines that there is spinal cord compression and if there is no relief from the traditional or convention treatments noted above, surgery may be recommended. The most common procedure is a laminectomy or spinal fusion.  The intent of these procedures is to offer relief from the pressure and compression in the spinal canal.

Minimally invasive surgery is an option that should be explored with your doctor. This procedure has become popular given the quick recovery time and return to your regular day to day lifestyle in addition to the small incision(s), thus resulting in minimal scars and tissue formation. These minimally invasive techniques are also performed under a local anaesthesia and no hospital stay.