It refers to the foramen — the opening a spinal nerve passes through on its way out of the spine.
In more detail
- Foramen is Latin for an opening or hole. The plural is foramina. Foraminal is the adjective.
- It is pronounced for-AM-in-al — stress on the second syllable. The plural foramina is for-AM-in-a.
- Do not confuse it with laminar or lamina, which is the flat plate of bone at the back of a vertebra, or with the central canal, which is the large tunnel down the middle that carries the spinal cord.
What it means for you
When a report says ‘foraminal stenosis’ or ‘neuroforaminal narrowing’, it is describing the side exits, not the main canal. That distinction changes the expected symptoms: foraminal narrowing tends to affect one nerve root on one side, producing symptoms down one arm or one leg, whereas central canal narrowing produces broader symptoms in both legs.
Remember the general rule. Findings like this one are common in people with no pain at all, and become steadily more common with age. A finding on a report is not a diagnosis until someone has matched it to your symptoms and your examination. See understanding your MRI report.
Bring your scan and report in and we will go through it with you. Call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
What is the difference between foraminal and central stenosis?
Foraminal narrowing affects the side exit and typically one nerve root. Central narrowing affects the main canal and typically both sides. See canal stenosis.
What does ‘neuroforaminal’ mean?
The same thing — ‘neuro’ is simply making explicit that a nerve passes through it.
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