Is Spinal Narrowing Causing Your Leg Pain?

Rory McKnight Chiropractor B.Sc. (Hons) AECC, M.Sc. (Chiro) AECC

I

used to love my morning walks. The sunrise, fresh air and gentle exercise brought me peace, but recently I started experiencing strange leg pain. At first, the pain was mild, but over time it became so severe, that it stopped me in my tracks. I tried to rest for a few weeks, but the pain would come back again and again.

Why did the pain come and go? And why did it feel better when walking uphill or using a shopping trolley? After researching and visiting my chiropractor, I learned I had neurogenic claudication, caused by spinal stenosis. This condition compresses the nerves in the lower back which can cause lower back and leg pain, which is relieved by bending forward, walking uphill or pushing a trolley.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about nerve pain in the lower back and leg, and how to manage your symptoms with chiropractic treatment.

What is Neurogenic Claudication?

Neurogenic Claudication presents as pain down the leg when walking and affects the lower back.

It’s caused by spinal stenosis, which occurs when the spaces inside the backbone are too small (narrowing), and this puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. This narrowing compresses the nerves and reduces blood flow, causing the symptoms of pain down the leg when walking or lower back pain.

Neurogenic:

Originating from the nervous system.

Claudication:

Derived from the Latin word meaning to limp, referring to painful cramping or weakness in the legs.

Symptoms of Neurogenic Claudication:

  • Nerve Pain: Shooting or intense aching pain extending into both legs

  • Numbness, tingling or burning sensations

  • Leg fatigue or weakness

  • Sensation of leg heaviness and cramping. 

When do the Symptoms Occur?

Symptoms gets worse when

Standing, walking, going down stairs, or bending backward.

Symptoms gets better when

Sitting, climbing stairs, or leaning forward.

Are you experiencing pain down the leg or lower back pain? Chiro can help!

Managing Neurogenic Claudication often involves several strategies, and chiropractic adjustments can play a crucial role. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can enhance the range of motion in the hips and mid-back, reducing stress on the lower spine. Combining these adjustments with aerobic exercises and specific stretches can effectively manage NC, slow its progression, and give you better control over your symptoms.

Neurogenic Claudication is particularly intriguing because it’s often missed due to its slow onset and similarity to other common lower back conditions associated with aging.

The key to diagnosis lies in understanding the patient’s history and recognizing subtle signs in specialty imaging, such as MRI scans. These indicators can easily be overlooked without a comprehensive approach that combines detailed patient history with careful analysis of imaging results.

By paying close attention to these clues, we can more accurately diagnose and effectively manage Neurogenic Claudication, helping patients find relief and improve their quality of life.

Dr Rory McKnight B.Sc (Hons) AECC, M.Sc. (Chiro) AECC