Claudication

Claudication is a medical term that is used to describe difficulty or impairment in walking. This condition most commonly affects the calves, but can also present in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and throughout the lower body. In general, claudication can be traced to intermittent vascular problems and also spinal nerve compression. These two conditions are very dissimilar and involve vastly different prognoses and treatments. Identifying the source of the patient’s claudication requires medical attention and often an MRI scan.

Causes of Claudication

Claudication is most commonly traced to the hardening of the arteries in the legs and feet, which reduces blood circulation.  This arterial disease, also known as arteriosclerosis, can lead to significant leg pain, fatigue, cramping, and discomfort. However, a far less serious cause of claudication rests with regular spine deterioration in the lower back.  As we grow older, the vertebral anatomy in the lumbar spine naturally begins to degenerate as a result of regular wear and tear.  Over time, the spinal and foraminal canals can become constricted as a result of this degeneration, a condition known as stenosis that can lead to painful nerve compression.  This nerve compression can interfere with regular nerve function and cause symptoms in the muscle groups that are innervated by the nerve, leading to claudication.

Treatments

Treatment of claudication due to stenosis is usually first attempted conservatively with a variety of nonsurgical techniques, including:

• Chiropractics
• Massage
• Pain medication
• Physical therapy
• And more

However, if spinal deterioration has progressed far enough, or the symptoms of claudication are particularly severe, surgical intervention may be considered. To learn about the minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic procedures offered by the professionals at Laser Spine Institute to treat stenosis, and for more information about claudication, contact us today.