Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis

Lumbar foramenal stenosis will result in pinched nerves in the lower back causing low back pain, sciatica or leg pain, numbness and tingling in the toes.

Lumbar foraminal stenosis is one of the most common forms of spinal stenosis. Symptoms including numbness, tingling, and pain can occur in the buttocks, thighs, or calves.  Tingling is often said to feel like "pins and needles" or like the affected area has "gone to sleep". Standing or walking for long periods of time can exacerbate these symptoms.

Failure to treat the underlying cause of foraminal stenosis can result in permanent nerve damage and loss of feeling or function. Physical therpay and anti-inflammatories are often explored by patients suffering with spinal stenosis but are often not as effective as surgical treatment. Surgical options traditionally are very invasive. Outpatient alternatives are the most state-of-the art options for treating foraminal stenosis such as Deuk Laser Disc Repair®, the minimally invasive procedure offered at Deuk Spine Institute that uses a laser to fix the underlying problem and repair the area. This allows nerves to decompress and heal themselves over time.

Why are Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis and Sciatica often mistaken for PAD or peripheral arterial disease?