Neurogenic Claudication (Cramping, Numbness, Aching, and/or Fatigue in the Lower Body)
by Dr. Scott J. Heun

Damage to the spinal nerves that go to the legs can cause a condition known as neurogenic claudication. The sufferer cannot walk for long periods of time and has to stop walking and rest for awhile. Symptoms may include pain and paresthesias that commence after walking and disappear following a rest period. There may be cramping, pain, numbness, aching, and/or fatigue usually in the calf also in the foot, thigh, hip or buttocks. There are vascular as well as neurological causes.

Although one way of dealing with this condition is surgery, spinal care should be tried first before medical and surgical techniques are resorted to.

Research and Results Research shows that the relationship between Chiropractic spinal adjustments and sciatica and leg pain is a close one. For example, one study of sixty patients showed that spinal care should be the care of choice for sciatica sufferers. And still other studies praised Chiropractic spinal adjustments for sufferers of sciatica and leg pain.

In one controlled study four different approaches (spinal care, traction, two types of injections) were used to deal with low back pain and sciatica sufferers. The group that had spinal care experienced the greatest degree of recovery. Interestingly, a large number in the traction group eventually required surgery.

Too Many Wait

Chiropractic care appears to have the most effect on sciatica when used first. Unfortunately, many people first submit to medical care.

Even in those patients who have had medical intervention, excellent results may be obtained with subsequent Chiropractic care. 3,136 (three thousand, one hundred and thirty-six) people with lower back and sciatic pain with disc disease (protrusion) who had previously had medical treatments such as physiotherapy and drugs with no positive results were provided Chiropractic care. A follow-up two years later showed that 50.4 percent had excellent results with no painful relapses, 34.4 percent had relapses but then responded favorably after further Chiropractic care, and 15.2 percent showed no significant improvement.

If you even suspect you have the beginnings of sciatica, or you would like to have your spine evaluated to be sure it is as good as it can be, do so as soon as possible, as your future may depend on it.

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