What is spinal claudication?

Spinal claudication is due to marked narrowing of the spinal canal with resulting pressure on the cauda equina. The characteristic symptoms are variable discomfort in the back and legs, brought on by exercise and/or extension movements of the hips and low back.

What is the bicycle test of Van Gelderen?

The van Gelderen bicycle test is designed to stress the LE vascular system without causing any central canal or foraminal stenosis that could be misinterpreted as intermittent neurogenic claudication.

What is the difference between claudication and intermittent claudication?

Claudication is pain you feel when your leg muscles don’t get enough blood while you exercise. It’s also known as intermittent claudication. It’s is a sign of atherosclerosis, which means plaque has built up in the arteries in your legs and is causing blockages.

What is neurogenic claudication of the spine?

Neurogenic claudication occurs due to a compression of the spinal nerves located in the lower (lumbar) spine. It is typically caused by spinal stenosis — the narrowing of the spinal canal — in the lumbar region.

Is claudication the same as PVD?

Claudication occurs when there’s not enough blood flow to the muscles you’re using. In PVD, the narrowed vessels can only supply a limited amount of blood. This causes more problems during activity than at rest. As your PAD progresses, symptoms will occur more frequently and get worse.

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.

What is the bicycle test?

The bicycle ergometer test measures aerobic endurance. The test lasts for 8–20 minutes, depending on the participant’s background and the test program. The participant pedals a stationary bicycle (with clip-on pedals) in varying intervals at an increasing load while the heart rate is being recorded.

How do you test for vascular claudication?

How is claudication diagnosed?

  1. Ankle-brachial index (ABI). For this test, blood pressure is taken in your arms and legs.
  2. Auscultation. In this test, the doctor listens to the arteries in your belly (abdomen) or legs using a stethoscope.
  3. Doppler ultrasound.
  4. Angiogram (also called an arteriogram).

What is the difference between spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication?

Neurogenic claudication is usually caused by spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) in the lumbar spine (lower back). The narrowing of the spinal canal is generally caused by wear and tear and arthritic changes in the lower spine.

Is cycling good for claudication?

Conclusion. These findings suggest that cycle exercise is not effective in improving walking performance in all claudication patients but might be an effective alternative to walking in those who exhibit similar limiting symptoms during both types of exercise.