Tethered Cord Syndrome Treatment
The spinal cord is surrounded by the spinal column, but is meant to move freely within the protective bone and tissue. This is important to allow the spinal cord and column to grow as a child gets older. If tissue around the spinal cord attaches or tethers the cord, it can restrict the spinal cord and cause neurosurgical problems. This spinal condition is called tethered cord syndrome and may require treatment. Our neuro-spine surgeon surgeons at DOCS Health offer tethered cord syndrome treatment and surgery at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Tethered cord syndrome usually affects children with certain spine diseases like spina bifida or scoliosis. As their spine grows, the tethered cord begins causing symptoms. However, tethered cord syndrome can also affect adults. Some spine surgeries may result in scar tissue attaching to the spinal cord, or other diseases can result in tethered spinal cords in adults. Symptoms for both children and adults with tethered cord syndrome include:
- Low back pain
- Weakness in the legs
- Pain when bending
- Constipation
- Incontinence
- Hammertoes, high arches and other foot problems
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Spasms or spasticity
When symptoms occur, a spinal cord specialist can determine the best tethered cord syndrome treatment. Some patients can benefit from physical therapy, pain management and movement modification, while others may require tethered cord release surgery.
Tethered Cord Release Surgery
While non-surgical treatment and monitoring tethered cord syndrome patients may be recommended, those with severe symptoms may require surgery. There are two commonly used surgical procedures for tethered cord release. One is minimally invasive, only requiring a tiny incision to access the bottom of the spinal cord to release the cord from a band of tissue tethering it to the spinal column. The second surgery is slightly more complex with higher risks, usually used in patients with scar tissue from previous spine surgeries that is tethered to the spinal cord.
If you or your child have symptoms of tethered cord syndrome, contact our team at DOCS Health today to schedule an appointment. We offer tethered cord syndrome treatment and surgery at our medical center in Beverly Hills.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.