Back pain, Epidural injection, Interventional procedures, Lumbar spinal stenosis, Neurogenic claudication.
Root cause of disease
Neurogenic claudication is typically caused by spinal stenosis, which is sometimes called pseudo claudication. This is a narrowing of the space around your lower spine, which can put pressure on your spinal cord directly. It can also compress the blood vessels around the spine, depriving it of oxygen-carrying blood.
Symptoms
Symptoms of NC are often centralized in the lower back, one or both legs, and the buttocks, and may include:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Cramping
- Weakness or heaviness (specifically in the legs)
- Shopping cart syndrome (having to lean on the shopping cart to feel relief)
Causes
- Claudication is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease where the arteries that supply blood to your limbs are damaged
- This damage is often the result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can develop in any of your arteries, especially those in your heart
- When atherosclerosis affects your arms and legs, it is called peripheral arterial disease. Atherosclerosis makes arteries hard and narrow. That is because the arteries get clogged with clumps of fat, cholesterol and other material, called atherosclerotic plaques
- These plaques can make arteries so narrow that less blood can flow through them. You feel pain because your leg muscles are not getting enough oxygenated blood
Home Remedies to treat Neurogenic Claudication
Remedy-1: Epsom salt
Materials: Epsom Salt
This mineral is great at relieving nerve pain when used in a hot bath. This naturally occurring salt is rich in magnesium that has a soothing effect on the pain caused by sciatica. Magnesium is not naturally produced in the body but is needed to help get rid of pain caused by sciatica, so an Epsom salt bath soak can ease the pain.
Procedure:
Just add 2-3 cups of Epsom salt to your next bath. Once the tub is full and the salt is dissolved, soak for about 30 minutes to help relieve your pain.
Product Link: Epsom Salt
Remedy-2: Apple cider vinegar
Materials: Apple cider vinegar, Honey, Warm water
Apple cider vinegar can help treat many types of illnesses, including helping to relieve nerve pain. The minerals found in it, like magnesium, phosphorous, calcium and potassium, are all essential for getting rid of nerve pain. Also, a great anti-inflammatory agent, apple cider vinegar can help combat the inflammation caused by nerve pain.
Procedure:
To reap the benefits of apple cider vinegar, just mix 2-3 tablespoons of the vinegar in a glass of warm water. You can add a teaspoon of organic honey to help it taste better. Drink this concoction twice a day for a few weeks and you should start to feel less pain.
Product Link: Apple Cider Vinegar
Remedy-3: White willow tea
Materials: White willow tea, Water
White willow extract is a natural remedy that has been used for relief of all types of pain. Salicylic acid is produced from the salicin content found in White Willow as it is being absorbed into your body, and salicylic acid is a very effective painkiller. As bonus, white willow does not have an acidic effect when consumed.
Procedure:
To make this healing tea, take 2-3 teaspoons of white willow bark extract and combine with boiling water. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes, strain and drink it hot.
Product Link: White Willow Tea Extract
Remedy – 4: Turmeric milk
Materials: Turmeric, Milk, Honey
Turmeric is easily available in your kitchen and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The main bioactive compound of turmeric called curcumin may have anti-inflammatory properties, which might be beneficial for reducing the pain in the body. Turmeric milk might be a good home remedy for back pain.
Procedure:
Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to half a cup of milk (hot/cold) and mix it well. Add some honey for sweetness if needed. Drink this turmeric milk at night for possible
Product Link: Turmeric Milk
Remedy – 5: Ginger tea
Materials: Ginger
Ginger is the most common spice found at home. It is used for culinary purposes. Ginger might be used as an instant remedy for back pain. Ginger contains bioactive chemicals such as zingerone and gingerol. These compounds may have anti-inflammatory activities that might help decrease the pain.
Procedure:
To make ginger tea, take a small piece of ginger root wash and remove the peel. Next, you can slice or grate ginger and add it to boiling water. Cool and strain the ginger after letting it boil for about ten minutes. Finally, add honey or lemon juice if you need it.
Product Link: Ginger Tea
Remedy – 6: Galangal
Materials: Galangal, Honey, Water
Galangal may be used as a home remedy for back pain because it might have anti-inflammatory properties. Galangal tea may provide a back pain solution at home.
Procedure:
- To make galangal tea, add a small piece of crushed galangal root to any tea of your choice, and boil them together in water for a few minutes.
- Then, strain the tea, add sugar or honey and drink this tea in the morning and evening for quick back pain relief.
Product Link: Galangal
Other Remedies
Betel Leaves
The polyphenols in betel leaves help in alleviating pain and the anti-inflammatory compounds help in treating inflammation. The coolant properties and analgesic compounds in betel leaves provide a temporary relief. Wrap warm betel leaves and use it as a compress to soothe a backache or you can add some betel juice to coconut oil and use it for massaging the area of the back where it hurts.
Holy Basil
Holy basil reduces inflammation and relaxes tense back muscles to relieve soreness. Take a few basil leaves and boil them in a cup of water until it reduces to half its volume and thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Add some salt for taste and drink this tea twice a day for pain relief.
Ice Pack
Applying an Ice Pack is one of the most natural remedies available for pain relief. This is extremely effective since it helps reduce inflammation. The ice-packs could be the re-usable store-bought ones or it can be home made by placing Ice in a plastic bag or a towel. Avoid applying Ice directly on the skin since it may cause skin burn.
Preventions
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Stay physically active.
- Quit using tobacco products (if you use them).
- Manage any health conditions that can contribute to this problem, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Neurogenic claudication is harder to prevent because spinal stenosis is part of the natural aging process. However, while spinal stenosis is more likely to happen as people get older, the majority of people who have it also have no symptoms.
Some recommendations to prevent or delay spinal stenosis include:
- Exercising and staying active.
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
