Neck or back pain can be frustrating enough when it lasts a few days, but when it continues for months or years, it can interfere with every aspect of daily life. One cause we often see in patients at DRHC Dubai is foraminal narrowing, a condition that develops slowly over time, often due to long-standing disc bulges.

We understand that spine-related terms like foraminal narrowing can sound worrying, especially if you’ve been told you might need surgery. The good news is that understanding the process — and catching it early — can make treatment far more effective and less invasive.

What Is Foraminal Narrowing?

Your spine has openings called foramina (singular: foramen) — small passageways on each side of the vertebrae where nerves exit the spinal canal to travel to other parts of the body.

Foraminal narrowing (or foraminal stenosis) happens when these passageways become tighter, squeezing the nerves. This can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, depending on which part of the spine is affected.

How Disc Bulges Cause the Narrowing

A disc bulge occurs when one of the soft, cushion-like discs between your vertebrae starts to protrude beyond its normal boundary. This is often caused by:

• Age-related wear and tear
• Poor posture
• Repetitive strain or heavy lifting
• Previous injuries

When a disc bulge has been present for a long time, it can:

1. Protrude further into the foramen
   Over time, the bulging disc can push into the nerve exit space, reducing room for the nerve.
2. Trigger inflammation
   Chronic irritation can cause swelling and further narrow the passage.
3. Lead to bone changes
   The body may respond to long-standing stress by forming bone spurs, which further encroach on the foramen.

This combination of factors means that what started as a mild disc issue can eventually lead to significant nerve compression.

Symptoms of Foraminal Narrowing

Depending on where it occurs, foraminal narrowing can cause:

• Persistent neck or back pain
• Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, buttock, or leg
• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
• Numbness in specific areas
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced range of motion

Symptoms often worsen when you move in certain directions, such as bending backward or turning your head.

Treatment Options at DRHC Dubai

Our team at Dr. Rami Hamed Center focuses on both relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

• Physiotherapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture
• Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Targeted injections to calm nerve irritation and swelling
• Lifestyle modifications to protect the spine from further stress
• Minimally invasive surgery for severe or persistent nerve compression that does not improve with other treatments

We understand that surgery can feel overwhelming. At DRHC Dubai, when it is needed, we use the least invasive approach possible to shorten recovery time and reduce risk.

Explore Our Related Blogs

• How kyphosis develops from poor posture or spinal degeneration
• How a spinal fracture can lead to spinal deformity over time
• How spinal alignment issues cause chronic neck pain
• How poor ergonomics can trigger cervical disc herniation