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Can Exercises Help Cervical Foraminal Stenosis?

Cervical foraminal stenosis is a painful, debilitating disorder in which the nerves of the spinal cord are compressed due to bone spurs and a degeneration of the discs in the neck, which causes the spinal column to narrow. In foraminal stenosis, the narrowing occurs where the nerves exit the spinal column. The spurs jut into the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness of limbs and balance problems, depending on the location of the stenosis and the severity of the cord injury. There are many different levels of treatment for the disorder. Exercise may offer some relief for some patients.

  1. Treatment Options

    • Surgery is often the recommendation for treating cervical stenosis, as it quickly decompresses the nerves affected. However, the risks associated with the surgery can be frightening for some people, who choose instead to try less invasive treatments.

      Treatment of the condition is most often dependent on the level of pain and disability caused by the stenosis. It can range from physical therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers to surgery.

      Working with a physical therapist can offer some relief from the symptoms of cervical foraminal stenosis, although it cannot cure the condition, according to physicians at the Mayo Clinic. The exercises prescribed will help to build or stretch muscles in your neck to help stabilize the spinal column.

      The exercises will usually include stretching the neck muscles, which can spasm due to the pain of the stenosis as your body tries to find a comfortable position in which to hold your head. They may include neck bending, neck rotation and shoulder rolls. They will not treat the stenosis, but they can help relieve some of the side effects of the condition.

      Do not perform neck exercises until you have a diagnosis and are working with a physical therapist as doing the exercises improperly can cause more damage and pain.

    Warning

    • If you feel any sort of shooting pain or sudden numbness while doing neck exercises contact your health care provider immediately.

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