Cauda equina syndrome occurs when pressure from a spinal disc presses against nerve roots in the lower part of the spine. This compression can affect control of the bladder and bowel as well as movement and sensation in the legs.
Symptoms can vary and may occur gradually or suddenly. It is important to identify the symptoms and get treatment quickly.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
At the lower end of your spinal cord in the lumbar spine is a bundle of nerve roots called cauda equina (Latin for horse’s tail). These nerve roots send and receive messages to and from your legs, feet, and pelvic organs.
If you have an injury or a disease that compresses these nerves, it can cause a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome claims. Prompt treatment is critical to preventing permanent paralysis and bowel or bladder problems.
The most common symptom of cauda equina compression is severe low back pain, followed by fast-developing changes in bowel and bladder function. These changes are often accompanied by fast-developing sensory loss in the groin area, and a lack of sensation in the buttocks, inner thighs, and back of the legs.
Surgical intervention is usually needed to prevent or cure cauda equina dysfunction. Surgeons perform a type of surgery called a lumbar laminectomy to decompress the affected nerves. Early surgery gives you the best chance of a full recovery from this condition.
Avoid Excessive Lifting
When you lift something, it is important to use the proper lifting technique to avoid damage to your spine. This is especially true when working with heavy materials.
Improper lifting techniques can cause serious back injuries such as bulging or herniated discs. When lifting, keep your body facing the object and bend your knees instead of bending your back.
Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of the cauda equina, which is a bundle of nerve roots in the lower spinal cord. It can result in back pain, leg pain, lower limb weakness or numbness, perianal or perineal sensory changes, or bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction [1].
In the case of a new onset of symptoms, it is critical to have this condition treated immediately. In most cases, surgery can be performed within 24 hours to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. This surgical procedure is called a lumbar laminectomy. It can stop the progression of cauda equina syndrome and improve patients’ quality of life.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to help prevent cauda equina syndrome. Excessive weight puts extra pressure on the lower back and spine, which can contribute to spinal problems.
The cauda equina is the sac of nerves and nerve roots at the end of your spinal cord in the lumbosacral spine (low back). These nerves send messages to and from your legs, feet and pelvic organs.
When these nerves become compressed, the effects can be severe. They can lead to numbness, weakness or paralysis in your legs and bowel and bladder dysfunction.
Usually, cauda equina Syndrome is caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. A herniated disk is a condition where the jelly-like core of a disc in your spine shifts out of place and puts pressure on nearby nerves.
It is important to see a doctor if you notice numbness, pain or other symptoms in your backs, butt, hip and inner thighs. It is possible that you may have a herniated disc and will need surgery for cauda equina to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and prevent permanent damage.
Avoid Smoking
If you are a smoker, it is important to stop smoking and to get rid of your cigarettes. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other health conditions.
In addition, smoking can increase the risk of having anesthesia-related complications. Some surgeries are not an option for smokers.
Doctors must watch for a condition called cauda equina syndrome, or CES, in patients who have back pain that is accompanied by weakness, numbness and/or changes in the bladder or bowel function (see Multimedia File 3).
Summary:
The best diagnostic tests are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and myelogram. These scans provide detailed images of tumors, infections, nerve roots and intervertebral discs.
