Severe Lower Back Pain Problems
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Severe lower back pain problems can be caused by compression of the cauda equina. Many people don’t realise that the spinal cord actually ends quite high up in the back – at about the level of the 1st lumbar vertebra in fact.
Cauda Equina
This doesn't mean that there is nothing important below that however! The spinal cord separates off into strands which bundle together to form the cauda equina (Latin for horse tail - and it does in fact look like that).
The Cauda Equina in More Detail
The cauda equina carries nerve impulses to and from important structures like your bladder and bowel. One of the main worries with a severe disc bulge is that rarely it may compress the cauda equina and lead to serious lower back pain problems.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Some of the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are:
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Changes in bladder or bowel function – in particular not being able to control your bladder or bowel, or trying to pass water and not being able to.
- Numbness between the thighs in the saddle area of both legs
- A feeling of loss of control in the legs that may sometimes interfere with your walking.
If you are in any doubt go to the emergency room or make an urgent appointment with your doctor straight away. Whilst rare, cauda equina syndrome is a serious problem and needs immediate attention if permanent problems are to be avoided.
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14-Sep-2009
