What is cauda equina syndrome?
If this disease bears this name, it is because at this point, the spinal cord ends and gives way to a set of nerves, which resemble a small “horse’s tail”. These nerves are also very important, because they are the ones which allow the legs to move, but also to control the bladder, the intestines and the perineum.
If these nerves are compressed, for example during a large herniated disc, they can no longer function properly. In the absence of rapid treatment, the after-effects can be long-lasting. To do this, it is essential to know how to recognize the signs, in order to act quickly.
How to recognize your symptoms?
The symptoms of cauda equina syndrome are: severe pain in the lower back, pain that goes down one or both legs, difficulty urinating or unusual leaking, weakness in the legs and difficulty walking, bowel movements, sexual dysfunction and loss of sensitivity in the buttocks, genitals or even the inside of the thighs.
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But there are also signs of this disease that can appear before these symptoms. They thus make it possible to spot this syndrome even earlier. If you have back pain that changes, unusual sciatica or strange sensations in your intimate area, such as tingling or numbness, you should consult a doctor. Urinary changes, even slight ones, should also alert you. Finally, if you feel weakness in your legs or difficulty walking, this may also be a first sign of cauda equina syndrome.
