Types of Spinal Stenosis in Vacaville

When there is a narrowing of one or more foramina (bony opening) within the spine, then the general term for that is spinal stenosis. This condition has specific names depending on the area where the narrowing and nerve compression takes place.

There are two general types of spinal stenosis:

• Foraminal Stenosis (Lateral Stenosis) - This happens when the spinal nerve is compressed or inflamed.
• Central Canal Stenosis - This happens when the spinal cord is compressed or inflamed.

Foraminal Stenosis (Lateral Stenosis) in Vacaville

The bony opening where the spinal nerve exits the spinal canal between two adjacent vertebrae is called the intervertebral foramen. Foraminal stenosis happens when one or more of the foramina starts to become narrow. When this happens, there is less space on the spinal nerve and it can become painful, pinched, and/or dysfunctional.

While any part of the intervertebral foramina is vulnerable to spinal stenosis, it mostly occurs in the lumbar spine. It can also happen in the cervical spine but rarely in the thoracic spine.

The term lateral stenosis and foraminal stenosis are sometimes used interchangeably since they both refer to stenosis that happens on the side of the spinal cord. There are other terms used to accurately identify the spinal nerve compression location, which includes the following:

• Far lateral stenosis - This happens when the spinal nerve has already exited the intervertebral foramen.
• Lateral recess stenosis - This happens when there is a compression of the spinal nerve before it reaches the intervertebral foramen.

There are cases of foraminal stenosis where far lateral stenosis or lateral recess stenosis can also happen. However, foraminal stenosis is the umbrella term used to identify all these types of lateral stenosis.

Central Canal Stenosis

The vertebral foramen is known as the bony opening in the middle of the vertebra protecting the spinal cord as it runs down the spinal canal. When there is a narrowing on one or more portions of the vertebral foramina, then this event is called central canal stenosis. Central canal stenosis happens when there is less space on the spinal cord, causing it to become compressed. This can lead to pain and/or dysfunction anywhere in the body below the level of compression.

While central canal stenosis can happen in any area of the vertebral foramina throughout the spine, it mostly occurs in the cervical or lumbar spine. There is also a possibility that both central canal stenosis and foraminal stenosis to occur simultaneously.

When spinal stenosis happens, an estimate of 5-60% of the cases involves at least 2 levels of the spine including the cervical and lumbar regions. As for the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis, these can vary greatly depending on the location and severity of the condition.

If you want to get a diagnosis or treatment for this condition and anything related to the spine, make sure to consider Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine into your list. Dr. Alex Tam is the head of the chiropractor of this clinic and he'd be more than happy to help you with it. Just dial (707) 474-5688 to schedule a consultation and get treated as early as possible.