Table 6.

Diagnostic criteria for acute lumbosacral neurogenic claudication

Pain is reported in unilateral or bilateral lower extremities Pain is intermittent/recurring or constant for less than half the days in 6 months Clinical signs and symptoms that indicate that the pain pathology is related to the compression of the lumbar or sacral spinal nerves in the central canal of the lumbosacral spine? Pain and neurologic deficits are evoked with walking or standing and are relieved with sitting or position change Neurologic deficits including diminished sensation (proprioception, fine touch, and temperature), motor strength, or reflexes that worsen with standing and walking and are relieved with sitting or change in position EMG/NCS is unlikely to have abnormal findings Radiographic evidence of nerve compression consistent with patient symptoms and findings from the physical exam (CT or MRI) Pain may also be reported in the lumbosacral spine area, defined as the space between the lower posterior margin of the rib cage and the horizontal gluteal fold*

CT = computed tomography; EMG = electromyography; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; NCS = nerve conduction study.

^*While not required to meet Core Diagnostic Criteria, this may be used to support classification.