What is the treatment for spinal claudication?

Initial treatment can include both conservative and nonsurgical methods. These methods include physical therapy such as stretching, strengthening, and aerobic fitness to improve and stabilize muscles and posture; anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications; and epidural steroid injections.

Is there surgery for spinal stenosis?

Examples of surgical procedures to treat spinal stenosis include: Laminectomy. This procedure removes the back part (lamina) of the affected vertebra. A laminectomy is sometimes called decompression surgery because it eases the pressure on the nerves by creating more space around them.

What is the treatment for neurogenic claudication?

Treatment for neurogenic claudication is surgical and the newest, safest surgery to treat neurogenic claudication is Deuk Laser Disc Repair, a minimally invasive laser spine surgery that is performed outpatient with a 95% success rate.

What is the surgery for neurogenic claudication?

Treatment for neurogenic claudication in New Orleans With the Vertiflex procedure, we are able to indirectly decompress the level of stenosis, thus opening up the spinal canal and allowing the nerves to move freely. Most patients notice immediate relief of their typical leg pain and weakness.

What are the two types of claudication?

There are two types of claudication: neurogenic and vascular. Neurogenic claudication occurs because of narrowing in the spinal canal (stenosis) causing pressure on the spinal nerves. Vascular claudication results from blood flow that cannot match increased demand of muscles in oxygen during walking.

How serious is neurogenic claudication?

Other symptoms of intermittent neurogenic claudication include pins and needles going down your leg, and/or leg weakness. Bowel or bladder problems may occur if the neurogenic claudication is severe. In this case, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Does spinal stenosis hurt all the time?

Spinal stenosis is generally not progressive. The pain tends to come and go, but it usually does not progress with time. The natural history with spinal stenosis, in the majority of patients, is that of episodic periods of pain and dysfunction.

What are the final stages of spinal stenosis?

Constant pain and/or numbness in your legs while standing. Increased pain and/or numbness in your legs while walking variable distances and/or while bending the spine backward. Difficulty in performing upright exercises or activities. Improvement or resolution of pain and/or numbness with rest.

Is neurogenic claudication an emergency?

It is therefore considered a medical emergency. Treatment for spinal stenosis consists of surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

What is neurogenic claudication and how is it treated?

Since neurogenic claudication is mainly caused by a narrowing of the lower spine, treatment options are similar to what’s normally recommended for patients with spinal stenosis. This typically means activity modification, the use of canes or other assistance devices, and exercises that strengthen muscles within the affected area.

Can claudication be reversed?

The temporary pain you’re feeling is caused by impeded blood flow, also known as intermittent claudication. The pain indicates that not enough blood is getting through the veins in your arms or legs because they have been blocked, probably by large deposits of plaque. It can be serious, but luckily, it can also be reversed.

How is claudication diagnosed?

Some common tests used to diagnose claudication include: Checking the pulses in your palms and feet. Exercise testing to determine the maximum distance you can walk without pain. Ankle-brachial index to compare the blood pressure in your ankles to the blood pressure in your arms. Doppler ultrasound, which monitors blood flow in the area affected.

What does neurogenic claudication mean?

Neurogenic claudication. Neurogenic claudication (NC), also known as pseudoclaudication, is a common symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), causing impingement or inflammation of the nerves emanating from the spinal cord.