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Cauda Equina
The Cauda Equina (Latin: Horse’s Tail) is the group of bundled nerves which branch off the bottom of the
spinal cord
to serve the lower body regions. The spinal cord ends at individually varying locations between the T12 and L3 vertebrae in normal adults. After the end of the cord, the spinal nerve roots continue downwards through the
lumbar,
sacral
and
coccyx
regions to serve the neurological needs of the lower body and lower extremities.
Cauda Equina Facts
The spinal
nerve roots
branch off from the spinal cord and continue through the spine exiting between the
vertebrae
at their designated levels. However, there is no spinal cord located in the most easily and commonly injured area of the back, the lower lumbar region. These are the nerve roots most often implicated in
pinched nerve
conditions in the lumbar spine. The nerves in this region of the back are often blamed for many varied painful syndromes including common
lower back pain
and
sciatica.
These nerves are extremely susceptible to
oxygen deprivation
from a psychosomatic regional process, since they are all bundled in a small area and can be affected en masse.
Cauda Equina Anatomy
The nerve roots branch off the spinal cord where the cord ends, usually at level L1 or L2. The nerves descend together through the remainder of the spinal vertebrae, giving the appearance of a horse’s tail, hence the name of the structure. As they reach their designated level, they exit from the spinal column to supply the network of nerves serving a particular anatomical region. This grouping of neurological tissue gradually thins as the individual nerves leave the spine, creating a wedge shape which tapers from wider to thinner.
Nerve Compression in the Horse’s Tail
Pinched or compressed nerves in this region can create a medical emergency for the patient. This condition is known as
cauda equina syndrome
and usually requires immediate surgical correction in order to restore neurological function and prevent permanent nerve damage. This condition is usually the result of massive trauma to the lower spine and can leave long term effects even if corrected immediately. Common symptoms include
numbness
in the buttocks and genitals,
sexual dysfunction,
paraplegia,
incontinence and loss of bowel control. This condition is extremely serious and should be treated by a qualified hospital emergency unit immediately.
Cauda Equina to Back Pain Home
10/31/07 Revised 11/3/09
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