Table of Contents
What is lateral recess encroachment?
Lateral Recess Stenosis And due to their proximity, these imposing (and generally abnormal) tissues may “bump into” the nearby spinal nerve root and/or spinal cord that normally pass through the lateral recess unimpeded. This is called encroachment or impingement.
What does encroachment mean on an MRI?
Foraminal encroachment means that degeneration in the spinal column has caused an obstruction of the foramina, which are the open spaces on either side of the vertebrae through which spinal nerves pass on their way to other parts of the body.
What does nerve encroachment mean?
When you have nerve root encroachment, abnormal tissue moves in on the spinal nerve root. Nerve root encroachment is often caused by degenerative (“wear and tear”) changes in the vertebrae, which is part of the normal aging process.
What does neural Foraminal encroachment mean?
Foraminal encroachment is a term used to describe degeneration of the spinal column which has caused an obstruction of the foramina. The foramina are open spaces on either sides of the vertebra where the spinal nerves pass on their way to other parts of the body.
What is the treatment for lateral recess stenosis?
Object: Extensive decompression with laminectomy where appropriate is often still described as the method of choice in surgery for lateral recess stenosis.
How is Foraminal encroachment treated?
A few common physical therapy styles for foraminal stenosis include:
- Ice therapy to numb or mitigate back pain.
- Massage therapy to relieve pain or pressure across the body.
- Heat therapy to soothe and increase blood flow.
- Aquatic exercises to increase motion without added pressure to the spine.
Is Foraminal encroachment a disability?
As these conditions suggest, foraminal stenosis is a serious medical condition that causes pain and restricted movement. The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists spinal disorders, including spinal stenosis, as conditions that qualify as disabilities or impairments under its benefits system.
What surgery is done for foraminal stenosis?
Foraminotomy is surgery that widens the opening in your spine where nerve roots leave your spinal canal. You may have a narrowing of the nerve opening (foraminal stenosis).
What causes nerve root encroachment in the spine?
Nerve root encroachment is often caused by degenerative changes in the structures of the spine, including the disc, the facet joints and other areas. Degenerative changes are usually associated with central canal stenosis, which is spinal stenosis that affects the spinal canal.
What is bilateral neural foraminal encroachment?
Bilateral neural foraminal encroachment is contracting of the foramina, which are the spaces on each side of the vertebrae, according to Laser Spine Institute. Nerves use the foramina to travel via the spinal cord to other parts of the body.
What causes pain in the lateral recess of the spinal cord?
And due to their proximity, these imposing (and generally abnormal) tissues may “bump into” the nearby spinal nerve root and/or spinal cord that normally pass through the lateral recess unimpeded. This is called encroachment or impingement. When encroachment occurs, it may cause pronounced pain and other symptoms.
What causes the vertebral foramen of the spine to narrow?
Foraminal stenosis is a condition in which one or more of the vertebral foramen narrows, impinging on or “pinching” the spinal nerve roots. It may be caused by a variety of conditions, most of which are associated with degenerative changes in the spine.