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.
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.
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:
When a disc bulge has been present for a long time, it can:
This combination of factors means that what started as a mild disc issue can eventually lead to significant nerve compression.
Depending on where it occurs, foraminal narrowing can cause:
Symptoms often worsen when you move in certain directions, such as bending backward or turning your head.
Our team at Dr. Rami Hamed Center focuses on both relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
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.