Herniated Discs

• Herniated discs can protrude into the foramens' space, closing it off.
  
  

Arthritis

• Spinal arthritis can cause the foraminal openings to degenerate. Also, bone spurs can build up around the foramens, closing them off.
  
  

Uncinate Process Enlargement

• In the neck, projections on the sides of certain cervical vertebrae called the uncinate processes can become enlarged and cause narrowed cervical foramens.
  
  

Other Causes

• Other possible causes of foraminal stenosis, according to University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, are spondylolisthesis (poor alignment of vertebral bodies), scoliosis (spine curvature), fracture, tumor or infection.
  
  

Diagnosis and Treatment

• A doctor can usually diagnose spinal stenosis with a clinical history and exam. The diagnosis is then confirmed with an MRI (magnetic resonance image) or a CT (computerized tomography) scan. Treatment may range from medications to exercise to surgery.