Cauda Equina Syndrome more than Back Pain - Red Flags of danger

Back pain can be, well a real pain in the backside quite literally. 

Much of the population, seven out of 10 suffer lower back pain at some stage of their life. Sometimes it is simple to rid sometimes more difficult.

Although back pain is a very common condition it can be rather uncomfortable but not generally serious. It is useful when trying to understand reasons for back pain to have good notion on the parts and functions of the area.

The structure of the back consists of:

24 Vertebrea (small bones) which support the body weight and form a protective canal for the spinal cord.

Intervertebral discs which cushion the bones and allow the spine to move.

Ligaments which hold vertebrae and discs together

Tendons which connect muscles and vertebrae.

Spinal Cord, which is a nerve signal carrier between the brain and the rest of the body

Nerves

Muscles

Pain in the lower back is usually thought of as a symptom of stress or trauma to ligaments, muscles, tendons or discs. A well known and common pain is called Sciatica. Sciatica is a general term as is Lumbago for lower back pain.

This is where a nerve in the back is pinched or irritated. Pain can radiate down the buttocks, thighs, side of the knee, down to the foot and toes. The lower down the body the pain or nerve discomfort is the found the more serious the trauma or trap to the nerve.

There can be many reasons for lower back pain, such as slipped or prolapsed disc, minor trauma and even arthritis. 

Back pain usually lasts between a few days and six or seven weeks. On most occasions lower back pain will be self rectifying. If a sufferer has concerns then they should consult their medical practitioner straight away. Sometimes pain can persist for several months or longer (chronic back pain)

There is another condition affecting the lower back that can have serious consequences on the sufferer and it is important that once symptoms of  are found that the medical condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome is ruled out by medical professionals as soon as possible

Cauda Equina, is so named because the area of nerves look like a horses tail.

The condition known as Cauda Equina develops when the nerves in this location suffer trauma, when this happens it is known as Cauda Equina Syndrome.

The following are known as Red Flag Symptoms:

Bladder dysfunction

Bowel dysfunction

Weakeness in both legs

Numbness in the saddle area (around the anus)

Sexual dysfunction and sensation

Severe pain.

Red Flag Symptoms demand immediate medical attention

Unfortunately many of our medical professionals are unaware of this urgent medical condition.

Once symptoms present it is expected that the sufferer has a maximum of 48 hours to have corrective treatment, failure may result in permanent damage.

The medical world does little to inform and advise of the dangers of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

It is of paramount importance that Red Flag Symptoms are thoroughly investigated and ruled out. There are far too many instances of Clinical Negligence for Cauda Equina Syndrome.

For further information  http://www.caudaequinasyndome.co.uk