'Neurogenic' iliotibial band syndrome

One of the most fascinating things about neurodynamic testing is the continual challenges it creates about the basis of certain syndromes. In earlier blogs, we have suggested that plantar fasciitis may not all be in the fascia, but another syndrome worthy of more careful analysis is ITB band syndrome.

I have noted that sometimes in the slump knee bend test (see figure), that cervical flexion and extension will alter evoked lateral thigh symptoms, the kind that may get labeled as ITB band syndrome.

It is quite interesting when the ITB symptoms and even tightness, evaporate before your eyes and in your hands. It does suggest that in some cases there is a neurogenic component to ITB syndrome, maybe in the fascia but more likely spinal or even thoracic. From the clinical angle, the test is certainly worth performing.

Fig 11.3A From Butler DS 2000 The Sensitive Nervous System, Noigroup, Adelaide