If a serious back injury is suffered, which causes injury to the spine, then compression of the spinal nerves results. then, depending on the location of the injury, a condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome can occur.

The name cauda equine quite literally means ‘tail of the horse’ because this condition is a result of the compression of spinal nerves located at the end of the spinal cord, in the lumbar (lower back) region, where it divides into many tracts of nerves which resemble a horses tail.

Cauda equine is a serious spinal disorder which can cause sciatica, lower back pain and general incontinence of both bowel and bladder.

Causes of Cauda Equina.

Anything which causes pinching or irritation of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord will result in the condition, other main causes are-

-          Herniation of the lower vertebral discs, commonly known as slipped discs.

-          Any abnormal growth or tumors at the side of the lower end of the spinal cord, any such lumbar tumors can include ependymomas, Pagets disease or metastatic cancer.

-          Localized infection close to the spinal cord possibly caused by the staphylococcus bacteria.

-          Infection of the cord by the tuberculosis bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis

Symptoms of Cauda Equina.

Numbness resulting from cauda equine is usually felt in the area of the body which would sit on the saddle of riding a horse, and is often referred to as ‘saddle anesthesia’, but other symptoms include-

-          Lower back pain (sciatica), tingling and general numbness in the buttocks.

-          Weakness in both legs.

-          Loss of control of either or both bladder and bowel movements.

Diagnosis of cauda equine is based upon the symptoms. the condition is always treated as an emergency, and specialists in spinal surgery and neurosurgery must be notified so that testing may be carried out urgently.

The specialized testing of the nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord would include Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Electromyography testing (EMG), CT Scan, and MRI tests. these tests would check for the degree of nerve irritation and nerve compression in the lumbar region. Treatment can then follow.

Tags: Back Injury, Compression, Spinal Nerves, Spine