The intervertebral foramen, also called the neural foramen, is the opening between the vertebrae through which spinal nerve roots travel and exit to other parts of the body. The word “foramen” is the singular form, while “foramina” is the plural form.
Hero Images / Getty Images
If the foramina narrow, they can put pressure on the nerve roots near them, causing pain. This is called neuroforaminal stenosis.
Anatomy
The vertebrae are the building blocks of the spinal column. Their purpose is to protect and support the spinal cord and also bear the majority of the weight put upon the spine.
Structure
The large, round portion of bone that makes up each vertebra is called thebody. The body of each vertebra is attached to a bony ring. When the vertebrae are stacked one on top of the other, this ring creates a hollow tube through which the spinal cord passes.
The intervertebral foramen is the opening between every two vertebrae where the nerve roots exit the spine. Thenerve rootstravel through the foramen to reach the rest of the body. There are two neural foramina between each pair of vertebrae—one on each side.
The Anatomy of Spinal Nerves
Function
The intervertebral foramina are essentially “exit routes” from which the nerve roots leave the spine and branch out to all parts of the body.
Without the foramen, nerve signals could not travel to and from the brain to the rest of the body. Without nerve signals, the body would not be able to function.
Associated Conditions
A common problem that can affect the neuroforamina is spinal stenosis. Stenosis is a medical term that means narrowing. Spinal stenosis is usually, but not always, an age-related disorder associated with arthritis.
Spinal stenosis can occur in two places: the spinal canal (in which case it’s calledcentral canal stenosis) and the foramina.
The main symptom ofneuroforaminal stenosisis pain. Numbness and/or tingling can occur as well. Neurogenic claudication occurs as a result of ischemia (a lack of blood flow) to the nerves and usually presents with a heaviness in the legs. It is typically associated with central stenosis rather than foraminal stenosis. Most people with spinal stenosis feel better when they flex (bend forward at) the trunk and worse when they arch their backs. Other symptoms include weakness and/or difficulty walking more than short distances.
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Treatment
Treatment for stenosis usually is aimed at relieving pain and preventing nerve symptoms from occurring or getting worse. Conservative treatments are often effective enough. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy,regular exercise, and cortisone injections.
Complementary treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic may also be helpful.
Although surgery is not commonly recommended for spinal stenosis, a doctor may suggest it for someone who is experiencing:
There are different surgical techniques for treating spinal stenosis. One such technique is called decompression laminectomy, which entails removing the buildup of bone in the spinal canal.Spinal fusionsurgery is performed when there is spinal instability or severe foraminal stenosis. Most cases of stenosis don’t require a fusion.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Orita S, Inage K, Eguchi Y, et al.Lumbar foraminal stenosis, the hidden stenosis including at L5/S1.Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2016;26(7):685-693. doi:10.1007/s00590-016-1806-7
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Spine basics.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Lumbar spinal stenosis.
Choi YK.Lumbar foraminal neuropathy: an update on non-surgical management.Korean J Pain. 2019;32(3):147-159. doi:10.3344/kjp.2019.32.3.147
Lurie J, Tomkins-Lane C.Management of lumbar spinal stenosis.BMJ. 2016;352:h6234. doi:10.1136/bmj.h6234
Cleveland Clinic.Myelopathy.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
