Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. MILD Procedure
2:04
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
6. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
7. Facet Joint Fusion
1:48
8. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Interspinous Fusion (midline or lateral approach)
Diagnosis & Understanding
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
3. Bracing
1:30
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
Low back or Lumbar Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Herniated Disc
1:58
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication
1746881495
Spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication occurs when the space around the spinal cord or nerves becomes too tight, often due to age-related changes in the spine. This restricts blood flow to the nerves, similar to a "heart attack" in your back, causing pain and weakness.
Spinal stenosis can occur with or without claudication. When claudication is present, it causes a heavy, aching sensation or pain in the back and legs, worsening with walking or standing but improving when sitting or bending forward. This is known as the "shopping cart sign." Most commonly affecting the lower back (lumbar spine), it is frequent in older adults. Risk factors include obesity, a family history of spine problems, and previous back surgeries or injuries.
Doctors use imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to diagnose structural spinal stenosis and confirm canal narrowing, but the claudication part is a clinical diagnosis.
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving mobility. Non-surgical options include: ✔️ Physical therapy to strengthen core and back muscles. ✔️ Medications like anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling. ✔️ Injections near the spine, such as epidural steroids, to reduce inflammation.
For severe cases not improving with conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended to relieve nerve pressure. Procedures like laminotomy or laminectomies involve removing bone parts to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves, restoring mobility.
If you're experiencing persistent leg pain, weakness, or difficulty walking, early treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and improve quality of life. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically completed through imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, which can reveal the narrowing of the spinal canal. However, the claudication aspect mainly requires a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and patient history.
What are the risks of not treating spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication?
Leaving this condition untreated could lead to worsening pain and weakness, potentially causing severe mobility issues and difficulties like bladder or bowel dysfunction. Early intervention is emphasized to prevent these complications and improve quality of life.
What are the symptoms of neurogenic claudication associated with spinal stenosis?
The symptoms include a heavy, aching pain or sensation in the back and legs. These symptoms worsen with physical activities such as walking or standing but improve when you sit down or lean forward. This condition often manifests as the "shopping cart sign."
What are the treatment options for spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication?
Treatment options vary depending on severity but often start with non-surgical methods, including physical therapy to strengthen the core and back muscles, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation. If these options do not alleviate symptoms, surgical procedures such as laminectomy may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerves.
What is spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication?
Spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the nerves. This often results in restricted blood flow that mirrors symptoms similar to a "heart attack" in the back and is characterized by back and leg pain, weakness, and difficulty with walking or standing. Symptoms typically improve when sitting or bending forward.