Foraminotomy Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

A foraminotomy widens the foramen — the bony opening where a spinal nerve root exits the spine — to relieve pressure on a pinched nerve. It's a targeted decompression for the radiating arm or leg pain of a compressed nerve root, performed minimally invasively whenever possible at Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

How a Foraminotomy Frees a Nerve

Procedure Overview

Each spinal nerve exits the spine through a bony tunnel called the foramen. When that opening is narrowed — by a bone spur, a bulging disc, or arthritis — the nerve root is pinched, causing pain, numbness, or weakness along its path (radiculopathy). A foraminotomy carefully removes the bone or tissue narrowing the foramen, widening it and freeing the nerve, without the larger footprint of some other decompressions.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

A foraminotomy is considered when a pinched nerve root causes persistent arm or leg symptoms that haven't resolved with conservative care and injections, and imaging confirms narrowing of the foramen at the matching level. It can be performed in the neck or lower back and is often a stand-alone, motion-preserving option when the problem is focal foraminal narrowing rather than broad instability.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

A foraminotomy reliably relieves the radiating symptoms of a pinched nerve root when the foramen is the source. Many patients feel prompt relief of nerve pain, with numbness and weakness improving as the nerve recovers. Because it preserves motion and stability when used appropriately, it's an attractive option for focal nerve-root compression.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia and through a small, muscle-sparing incision, Dr. Greenwald removes the bone spur, disc fragment, or thickened tissue crowding the nerve in the foramen, confirming the nerve is decompressed before closing. Minimally invasive techniques are used whenever your anatomy allows, which helps preserve the surrounding structures and speeds recovery.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Because a foraminotomy is often focal and muscle-sparing, recovery is typically quicker than for larger decompressions or fusions. Your timeline depends on the location, the number of levels, and your overall health.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Foraminotomy: Frequently Asked Questions