Conquer Back and Neck Pain - Walk It Off! (9 page)

• My pain is controlling my life.	Yes No
• I have pain all over my body.	Yes No

For more about central pain and chronic back pain see
Chapter 8
.

The following groups of statements are to help you determine if your spine pain is related to some serious underlying disorder.

If you answer yes to the majority of the following questions, you may be suffering from pressure on the nerves to your legs, bladder, and bowel. This is a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome, and you should seek medical attention immediately:

• I have severe back pain radiating into both legs.	Yes No
• I am having difficulty walking because of severe back and leg pain.	Yes No
• I am losing my urine, dribbling, and I do not feel it.	Yes No
• I have difficulty passing my urine.	Yes No
• I do not think I am emptying my bladder completely when I urinate.	Yes No
• I feel numb around my genitals and anus.	Yes No
• My legs feel weak and/or numb.	Yes No