Exercise

[Dee in Houston TX]

What are the general recommendations about exercise for people having problems with TCS?  On several internet sites I have seen "warnings" about stretching & bending in particular and exercise in general for people with tethered spinal cord.  Two weeks after beginning cardio rehab to improve my general conditioning, not because of heart problems, I began to have sudden & terrifying leg problems.  At age 59, and already diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, an MRI found TCS & benign tumor.  My neuro does not seem to be familiar with TCS problems.  I'd like to return to the cardio rehab prpobram, but I am afraid of more TCS problems.

[Dee in Houston TX]

Thank you for researching my question and for a clear & understandable answer.  This answer could save me a lot of pain and possibly worse. This forum is an answer to a prayer.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Sorry for the delay. I wanted to check on a few things to give you an accurate opinion. There are no formal guidelines or data within the literature to guide excericse recommendations. First, assuming the diagnosis is correct, tethered cord syndrome involves the inappropriate attachment of the end of the spinal cord to the dural sac. Symptoms occur when stretching or moevment of the dural sac pulls upon the spinal cord. Therefore, any movement which causes increased symptoms should be avoided. However, the movements or activities which produce symptoms are different for each individual. Therefore a moderate approach to activities in life would be reasonable, and avoidance of movements or activities which induce symptoms.

If you are concerned about the diagnosis then a second opinion at an academic center would be reasonable. Good luck.