Neurogenic Claudication: Causes, Symptoms, and How Medications Help

When you walk and your legs start aching, cramping, or going numb, it’s easy to assume it’s just aging or being out of shape. But if the pain goes away when you sit or bend forward, it might be neurogenic claudication, a condition caused by nerve compression in the lower spine that triggers pain, weakness, or tingling in the legs during activity. Also known as spinal claudication, it’s not a heart issue—it’s a nerve issue, often linked to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that squeezes nerves as they exit the spine.

Unlike peripheral artery disease, a circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, neurogenic claudication doesn’t come from poor blood supply. It comes from pressure. Think of it like a pinched hose—when you walk, the spine shifts just enough to press on nerves that control your legs. The result? Burning pain, heavy legs, or even foot drop. Sitting down or leaning forward opens up the spinal canal and relieves the pressure—that’s why people with this condition often stop to rest while walking, or lean on shopping carts for relief.

It’s most common in people over 50, especially those with degenerative spine changes, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments. But it’s often misdiagnosed as arthritis or muscle strain. The key clue? Pain that changes with posture. If your legs hurt when you walk but feel fine when you’re still, and bending forward helps, that’s a strong sign. Doctors may use MRI or CT scans to confirm nerve compression. Medications like gabapentin or pregabalin don’t fix the root problem, but they can calm the nerve signals causing the pain. Anti-inflammatories might help too, especially if swelling is part of the issue. Physical therapy focused on core strength and posture can also reduce pressure on the nerves over time.

What you won’t find in most guides is how this condition connects to other neurological and vascular issues. People with neurogenic claudication often have overlapping conditions—like diabetes, which damages nerves, or high blood pressure, which worsens spinal degeneration. That’s why managing your overall health matters just as much as treating the pain. Some patients eventually need surgery, but many find long-term relief with the right combo of movement, posture adjustments, and smart medication use.

In the posts below, you’ll find real-world insights on how medications interact with nerve-related pain, what alternatives exist when standard treatments fall short, and how to recognize when leg pain is more than just tired muscles. Whether you’re dealing with this yourself or helping someone who is, the information here is practical, direct, and built around what actually works—not just what sounds good.