Lower back pain is a very common problem that has a number of possible causes, one of which is cauda equina syndrome.
Lower back pain – the first symptom of CES
Cauda equina syndrome is when the cauda equina nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. This will soon trigger a set of symptoms, with the first being chronic lower back pain. Often this pain will run from the lower back, through the bottom and into one of both of the upper legs. This type of pain is called sciatica because it follows the course of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body.
Other symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
The onset of this chronic back pain will prompt many to seek medical help. Of course, back pain can be caused by any number of conditions, some serious and some not. Therefore it is important that medical professionals look for any accompanying symptoms, as this will direct doctors towards the right diagnosis.
In order to obtain an accurate diagnosis, an examination should be performed to check whether or not there are other issues at play. Along with severe back pain, symptoms that indicate cauda equina syndrome include:-
- Difficulties urinating, such as the inability to fully empty the bladder and reduced urethral sensation;
- Reduced sensation in the perineum and genitalia;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Loss of anal tone causing either faecal incontinence or constipation;
- Weakness in the lower limbs;
- Poor reflexes in the lower limbs.
Did doctors fail to diagnose your cauda equina syndrome?
However, when a patient presents with lower back pain, doctors often fail to consider the possibility of cauda equina syndrome. Instead they record a diagnosis of ‘generalised lower back pain’ or ‘sciatica’ and refer a patient on – usually to a physiotherapist or a chiropractor.
But this will be very dangerous as cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency, meaning it must be treated as quickly as possible if a patient is to avoid further injury. If a doctor fails to suspect the condition when a patient first presents and sends a patient away, the nerves will continue to be put under pressure. Soon this will cause so much damage that the injury is irreparable, leaving a patient with permanent neurological problems.
If medical professionals are responsible for causing a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome, and this leads to further injury for the patient concerned, there will be a case of medical negligence. If this is something to have affected you or your loved one, get in touch with us today.