To diagnose foraminal stenosis, the consultation begins with a medical history. During a physical exam, the doctor looks for limitations on movement, pain, loss of reflexes or other symptoms when the patient moves his or her spine.
Other procedures that can help confirm the diagnosis include:
- X-rays, which can help rule out tumors, injuries or abnormalities
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can be helpful in detecting damage or disease in the soft tissues, such as the discs between vertebrae or ligaments
- Computerized tomography (CT scan), which can show the shape, size and nearby structures of the spinal canal
- Myelogram, in which an opaque dye is injected into the spinal column followed by an MRI or CT scan, can show pressure on the spinal cord or nerves from herniated discs, bone spurs or tumors
- Bone scan, which can detect fractures, tumors, infections and arthritis