About the condition

What is Cluneal Nerve Entrapment?

Within the spinal column, there are multiple nerves which innervate dynamic movement and sensory stimulation. One of these is thecluneal nerve, which is divided into three types:

The cluneal nerves are located in the lumbar spine (lower back) and pelvic region. Nerve root irritation and entrapment of these nerves can contribute to lower back and upper leg/buttock pain. Nerves can also become ‘entrapped’ when muscle or fascia form tightly around the nerves or if adhesions develop between nearby tissue and the nerve. In the case of the Cluneal nerves this can happen around the iliac crest (top of the pelvis). Nerve injuries often disrupt neural signals from the brain, which also affects range of movement and pain, felt both at the site and referred pain in nearby structures

Superior Cluneal Nerve (SCN)
Middle Cluneal Nerve (MCN)
Inferior Cluneal Nerve (ICN)

Causes

What is the cause of Cluneal Nerve Entrapment?

Cluneal Nerve irritation is usually caused by pressure/entrapment and nerve root irritation of the cluneal nerves. This pressure can stem from bone or disk protrusions, or inflamed muscle and tissue.

Fascial Entrapment– thickening of fibrous tissue – called the fascia – puts pressure against the nerves, causing pain and/or irritation
Lumbardisc herniation– prolapsed spinal discs pressing on nearby nerves
Acute injuries– car accident, falls, spinal fractures, etc.Contact sports– susceptible to lower back injuries
Contact sports– susceptible to lower back injuries
Overuse of muscle– overstretching and overusing muscles can cause tightness or adhesions to form that press or entrap nerves
Imbalance– poor balance or instability can increase spinal kyphosis, in turn causing irritation and overstretching of the cluneal nerves
Differential diagnoses– conditions include muscle spasms, lumbar stenosis, scoliosis, vertebral fractures, and Parkinson’s disease, etc.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Pain – felt in the lower back or over the iliac crest,Referred ‘burning’ pain in buttocks and upper leg
Referred ‘burning’ pain in buttocks and upper leg
Stiffness/weakness with pelvic movement,
Tingling/numbness in toes or foot,
Worsened pain with movement,
Limping,
Comorbid or differential diagnoses of other nerve disorders,herniated discs,lumbar radiculopathy, arthritis,ligament tears,hip bursitis, fractures, etc.

Treatment

Treatment for Cluneal Nerve Entrapment

If you suspect you have cluneal nerve entrapment and have pain in your lumar and pelvic regions, it is important to see a medical professional. You will likely be referred for imaging tests to determine the origin and extent of the injury or to rule out a differential diagnosis.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in reducing nerve pain and inflammation. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, anti-inflammatory pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use lumbar support, custom orthotics or other supportive footwear options.

Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Trigger point therapy
Shockwave Therapy
Dry needling
Taping
A unique home exercise program
Graded Exposure to load program

Cluneal Nerve Entrapment Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is Cluneal Nerve Entrapment?

What is the cause of Cluneal Nerve Entrapment?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for Cluneal Nerve Entrapment

Treating Cluneal Nerve Entrapment in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly