10/07/2025
🩻 I’ve seen 3 patients in the last week with Foraminal Stenosis as their chief complaint. So, what exactly is it and how can Acupuncture help?!
🩻 When someone has narrowing of the foramina in the neck (also called foraminal stenosis or cervical foraminal narrowing), it means the small openings (foramina) between the vertebrae — through which the spinal nerves exit the spinal column — have become tighter or partially closed.
Here’s a breakdown 👇
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🧠 What It Means Anatomically
• Each vertebra in the cervical spine (neck) has small holes on the sides where nerves branch out from the spinal cord and travel to the arms, shoulders, and upper back.
• When these openings narrow (due to arthritis, degenerative discs, bone spurs, herniated discs, or muscle tightness), it can compress or irritate the nerves.
• This often causes:
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down the arm
• Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Muscle spasms or tightness in the upper back
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🌿 How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture doesn’t change the bone structure or directly “widen” the foramen, but it helps by addressing inflammation, nerve irritation, and muscular tension that contribute to pain and compression.
1. Reduces Inflammation & Nerve Irritation
Acupuncture increases microcirculation and releases anti-inflammatory mediators, helping reduce local swelling and irritation around the affected nerve root.
2. Relaxes Neck & Shoulder Muscles
Tight muscles (like the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalenes) can further compress the cervical nerves. Acupuncture releases these areas, allowing more space and reducing pressure.
3. Improves Blood Flow & Lymphatic Drainage
By improving local circulation, acupuncture enhances nutrient and oxygen delivery to the tissues — promoting healing of the discs, ligaments, and surrounding musculature.
4. Decreases Pain Signals
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural endorphins and modulates pain pathways in the central nervous system — reducing the sensation of pain and improving mobility.
