Tethered Cord

A tethered spinal cord occurs when the spinal cord is stretched like a rubber band. Abnormal tissue connections limit the movement of the spinal cord. Tethered cord can happen with other related conditions, including:

Spina bifida
Abnormal fat in the spinal cord
A tighter than normal connection between the spinal cord and the tailbone

A tethered spinal cord can cause:

Low back pain
Leg pain and numbness
Difficulty walking
Foot abnormalities
Scoliosis
Problems with bladder and bowel control

Treatments include bracing to strengthen the back and muscles around the spinal cord. Sometimes surgery is needed to relieve symptoms and surgery