Causes of Spinal Nerve Compression

Cauda Equina Compression – What It Is And The Consequences

When the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed, a condition called cauda equina syndrome will arise. In this article we look at the ways in which you can suffer from cauda equina compression.

If you have suffered from cauda equina compression, please do not delay. Call us today on 0800 234 3300 or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 for a no cost, no obligation opinion or complete our Free Online Enquiry and let us explain your rights and options.

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Causes of cauda equina compression

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) happens when the cauda equina nerves become compressed. There are various ways in which cauda equina compression can occur, including the following:-

• Trauma: both blunt and direct injuries to the spine can cause cauda equina compression. This might include falls, road traffic accidents, weight-lifting and chiropractic treatment.
• Herniated (slipped/prolapsed) disc: around 2% of herniated discs will lead to cauda equina syndrome. This will happen if the disc slips in the lumbar region and presses upon the nerves.
• Spinal fractures, particularly in the sacral region.
• Space occupying lesions, including haematomas, abscesses, lymphoma and tumours, all of which can compress the nerve roots.
• Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis of the spine. The inflammation can impinge upon the cauda equina nerves.
• Spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal narrows. This can squeeze the cauda equina nerves together.
• Other rare conditions can also lead to cauda equina syndrome. One such example is sarcoidosis, which has led to around 20 cases of CES.

Diagnosing the underlying cause of cauda equina compression

When treating cauda equina syndrome, it is important to find out what the underlying cause is, as this will determine the type of treatment required. For example, if a patient has an infection, it is likely that intravenous antibiotics will suffice. But if a slipped disc is the root cause, urgent surgery must be carried out to remove the fragmented disc.

The underlying cause will also dictate the surgical technique that must be used. If a haematoma or abscess is present, a thorough evacuation is essential. But if a patient has spinal stenosis, a laminectomy with foraminotomies is often required.

Failure to diagnose cauda equina compression

However, there are occasions when medical professionals fail to understand a patient’s symptoms. Therefore instead of investigating the possibility of spinal nerve compression – and the underlying causes – a patient is discharged with a misdiagnosis. Wrong diagnoses often include sciatica, generalised lower back pain and urinary tract infections.

If a patient is subject to a misdiagnosis and this causes wrongful injury, there will be a case of medical negligence. This is because a reasonably competent medical professional should be able to diagnose cauda equina syndrome, detect the underlying cause and provide effective treatment. A failure to do so will amount to a substandard level of medical care and a patient will be entitled to claim compensation for damages incurred.

To make a free, no obligation enquiry about cauda equina compression, please get in touch with us today.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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