Neurogenic claudication may sound like a complex and rare condition, but it’s much more common than you would believe. It’s also a condition Dr. Jackman and the other spine specialists at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute see and treat regularly. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at what neurogenic claudication means for your spine and how Dr. Jackman can help alleviate any discomfort it’s causing.
Understanding Neurogenic Claudication
To better understand the condition, let’s break down the words. Neurogenic means that the issue is housed in or arising from the body’s nervous system, and claudication describes leg pain, weakness or similar discomfort in the area. Put together, it describes a nerve issue that is causing symptoms in your legs.
As you may have guessed, oftentimes this nerve issue originates in the spinal region. Most commonly the condition is caused by nerve compression in the lumbar spine. When nerves in this area are compressed or irritated, it can lead to a number of symptoms that develop further down the nerve path in your buttocks, hips and legs. We touched on a couple of the symptoms above, but other signs of neurogenic claudication include:
- Leg weakness
- The feeling of heavy legs
- Gait abnormalities
- Localized or shooting pain
- Tingling or cramping
- Symptoms that worsen when standing or walking
In most instances, the condition develops as a result of spinal stenosis, which involves a narrowing of the area through which spinal nerves pass. The root cause of spinal stenosis can vary, but typically it’s caused by bulging or herniated discs, spinal ligament thickening, the onset of bone spurs or simple wear and tear that leads to arthritic changes in the spine.
Diagnosing And Treating Neurogenic Claudication
If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, or you just want to figure out what’s causing your back discomfort, set up a consultation with Dr. Jackman. He’ll start by reviewing your medical history, asking about your symptoms including which activities make them worse or better, and then he may have you complete a physical assessment to see how your body responds to certain movements.
If the condition is suspected, your doctor may work to confirm the diagnosis and the presence of spinal stenosis with the help of an imaging exam. X-rays can prove helpful in showcasing spinal stenosis caused by bone spurs or shifted spinal discs, while an MRI or CT scan can help to provide a more detailed look at how soft tissues and bones may be contributing to your condition.
Treating neurogenic claudication depends on the root cause. For many, conservative care can help to alleviate symptoms or keep them at bay to the point that surgery is not necessary. This oftentimes involves a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching techniques, posture improvements and weight loss.
For those who do not find relief through these methods, a minimally invasive decompression procedure may provide you with the relief you seek. Again, the specifics of the procedure will depend on the source of your compression, but a vertebral fusion, disc replacement or other type of debridement operation can all help to create more space for these nerves to pass unimpeded. Dr. Jackman is well versed in all of these techniques and is confident he can find a solution to suit your individual needs.
If you believe you’re dealing with neurogenic claudication or a similar back issue, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at the Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today.
