Our Service For You


Cauda Equina Syndrome and Constipation

Cauda equina syndrome is associated with a number of bowel symptoms, including constipation. In this article we explore cauda equina syndrome and bowel dysfunction in more detail.

Does cauda equina syndrome cause constipation?

Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed, causing them to become damaged. This will lead to a number of symptoms, the first of which is usually chronic lower back pain which may extend to the buttocks and legs.

Because of this pain, most will begin to take strong painkillers. Constipation is a common side-effect of painkillers, and this is one reason patients with cauda equina syndrome are often unable to open their bowels.

The second reason is that the cauda equina nerves enable function in the pelvic organs, including the colon and the rectum. When they are compressed and damaged, function will gradually be lost, resulting in bowel dysfunction. This dysfunction can lead to constipation, although conversely it can also cause faecal incontinence due to the loss of rectal tone.

Other symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

Along with back pain and bowel dysfunction, the other symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include:-

Spotting the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

Back pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and perineal numbness are all red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. Together these symptoms should immediately indicate spinal nerve compression, prompting medical professionals into taking urgent action.

Unfortunately, however, there are occasions when doctors mistake the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome for another more minor condition, such as a urinary tract infection or generalised lower back pain. This will be devastating as the nerves will soon be so damaged that the injury is irreparable.

If medical professionals fail to recognise cauda equina syndrome and this leads to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, the standard of care will be deemed unacceptable. If this substandard level of care causes a patient to suffer complications that could otherwise have been avoided, there will be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim.

Cauda equina solicitors

If you believe you are entitled to make a cauda equina claim, please do not hesitate to 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.

Share Article With:

Free Cauda Equina Enquiry

Call us free on
0800 234 3300

or enter your details below and we will be pleased to answer your questions and advise you of your options.

     

    All enquiries are completely free of charge and without obligation. We are here to help you, so if you have any questions please do get in touch with us.


    What Clients Say

    I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for taking on J’s case, for the comprehensive advice and also for keeping us regularly updated with regard to the progress. I would not hesitate to recommend you or the firm to anyone in the future.

    Mr B

    Julie and everyone at Glynns is amazing, they have been more like friends than solicitors and have helped me no end throughout my ordeal. I have had lots of medical advice from specialists which I am eternally grateful for which was all thanks to Glynns. I have to say I will actually miss my contact with Glynns when my case is over and would not hesitate to recommend them to other people who have been through a similar thing to me.

    Ms M

    Absolutely amazing, always available to talk, always kept informed every step of the way. Very supportive, efficient and knowledgeable. Thank you.

    Ms S

    Highly recommend Glynns Solicitors. Very sensitive on personal injuries. Explained everything.

    Ms B

    The service I have received from Chris has been absolutely outstanding. He has made a traumatic and painful situation more bearable through his constant support, advice and friendliness. Thank you

    Ms A

    Lucy, thank you so much for everything over the last five and a half years, I really appreciate everything you, John, Carolynne and Abdul have done to support me and make this as painless as possible and to help me secure a fair settlement.

    Mrs M

    A wonderful, helpful service. Great advice and lots of patience, I definitely made the right decision.

    Ms D

    I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for taking on J’s case, for the comprehensive advice and also for keeping us regularly updated with regard to the progress. I would not hesitate to recommend you or the firm to anyone in the future.

    Mr B

    Absolutely amazing, always available to talk, always kept informed every step of the way. Very supportive, efficient and knowledgeable. Thank you.

    Ms S

    Why Choose Us?

    Over 1,000 Cauda Equina Claim enquiries handled to date

    All initial enquiries are completely free of charge and without obligation

    Specialists in Cauda Equina Claims

    We have a range of funding options for you

    Part of Glynns Solicitors - specialist medical negligence claims solicitors serving England & Wales

    Free Cauda Equina Guide

    Our Expertise

    Law Society Accredited

    England & Wales

    We have specialist Cauda Equina Claim Solicitors ready and waiting to help you now, wherever you are located in England or Wales.

    Map of England and Wales