The Back Pain Podcast

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome? - Rob Tyer

Jan 22, 2021
Rob Tyre, a physiotherapist specialising in spinal conditions, explains cauda equina syndrome and why timing matters. He covers the key red flags like bladder, bowel and saddle-area changes. Listens on what questions clinicians will ask, how A&E assesses it, and why surgery is often needed urgently.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ADVICE

Act Fast On New Bladder Changes

  • Ask whether bladder function is different from normal, including frequency, ability to start and finish, and loss of force.
  • Treat any new or unusual bladder change in the context of back pain as potentially serious and seek medical assessment that day.
ADVICE

Distinguish Constipation From Nerve Loss

  • Differentiate constipation from loss of anal squeeze: inability to push is not the same as constipation.
  • Seek urgent review if you cannot squeeze or cannot control bowel movements alongside back symptoms.
INSIGHT

Saddle Area And Sexual Symptoms Matter

  • Saddle numbness means altered or reduced sensation in the area that would touch a saddle: between the legs, genitals and buttocks.
  • Sexual dysfunction (erection, ejaculation, altered sensation) is an important and telling symptom to ask about.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app