Foraminal stenosis is a condition where the openings in the spine, called foramina, that allow nerves to exit become narrowed. This narrowing is often caused by age-related changes such as disc bulges, arthritis, or bone spurs. As the space tightens, it can compress the spinal nerve roots, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along the path of the affected nerve. It can feel similar to sciatica because both involve irritation or compression of spinal nerves, but foraminal stenosis may cause slightly different symptoms depending on which nerve and spinal level are affected. Symptoms are often worse with standing, walking, or certain spine positions and may improve with sitting or bending forward. The condition most commonly affects the neck or lower back. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve irritation and pressure through physical therapy, medications, and sometimes injections or surgery.