The Impact of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation on Pain and Function in a Patient With Cauda Equina Syndrome

The human spine is a complex and robust structure. Injury to the spine may contribute to limitations in activities of daily living. In the lumbar and sacral regions, the nerve roots continue as the cauda equina. These nerves communicate with the lower limbs and pelvic organs by sending and receiving messages. Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused by spinal canal compression of the cauda equina. Cauda equina syndrome occurs when there is dysfunction of multiple lumbar and sacral nerve roots of the cauda equina. Here is a case of a 25-year-old male, who visited the hospital with complaints of low back pain, weakness in the bilateral lower limb and urinary incontinence. He had a history of a fracture at lumbar vertebrae 10 years ago for which internal fixation was done. The patient was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome post investigations and underwent implant removal surgery. He was further referred to the physiotherapy department for management of the same.