What Is The Cauda Equina?

In Latin, cauda equina means “horse’s tail.” This term describes the bundle of lumbar and sacral nerves that gather at the base of the spinal cord and extend through the lower extremities, bowel, and bladder. These nerves are named as such because they resemble a horse’s tail that dangles from the end of the spinal cord, which is called the conus medullaris.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine

To fully understand what the cauda equina is and where it is located, it will be important to familiarize yourself with the lumbar spine. The lower back contains five vertebrae, though some individuals do have six. These bones are separated by spongy, cartilaginous pads called intervertebral discs. The vertebrae and discs form a protective column of armor around the spinal cord. At each vertebral level, there are open passageways on either side, called foramina, through which spinal nerves pass as they branch off the spinal cord. The spinal cord terminates in the lumbar spine, though a series of nerves extends beyond this terminus – the cauda equina.

Compression of the Cauda Equina – An Emergency Condition

Degeneration of the spine can cause a variety of spinal abnormalities that may press on spinal nerves, including a herniated disc, bulging disc, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, among others. Neural compression in the lumbar spine above the cauda equina can cause sciatic symptoms, which include pain, tingling, and weakness throughout the lower extremities. However, if compression of the cauda equina occurs, paralysis and incontinence can occur. This is a condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) and it is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention. If you believe that you are suffering from CES, call an ambulance or get to an emergency room right away.