Slipped discs from yoga pose caused life-changing spinal condition

Terrilyn Griffiths, a 44-year-old woman from Lowestoft, Suffolk, recently received devastating news from doctors regarding her health. After exhibiting early signs of cauda equina syndrome (CES), a rare and dangerous form of spinal nerve damage, Griffiths was shocked to learn that a yoga pose she did years ago may have contributed to her current condition.

The incident that started it all occurred in 2021 when Griffiths was teaching her ex’s children how to do a standing bridge pose. During this demonstration, her back gave way, leading to what she initially thought was a minor injury. However, two weeks later, she began experiencing intense back pain that made her feel like she would collapse at the waist.

Despite working a physically demanding job in a factory, Griffiths pushed through the pain for six months until it subsided. She believed that her back had healed on its own, only to have the pain resurface almost two years later in June 2023. This time, the pain was accompanied by dexterity issues in her hands, weakness in her hip and groin area, altered sensation in her saddle region, and a semi-paralyzed bladder.

In January 2024, Griffiths finally sought medical help and was diagnosed with early signs of CES. Unfortunately, she is not eligible for corrective surgery due to the absence of “red flag symptoms” associated with the condition. Despite working with a physiotherapist for nine months, Griffiths has seen no improvement in her condition and is now housebound, unable to walk more than a single flight of stairs without experiencing pins and needles.

Feeling hopeless about her future, Griffiths is now exploring the possibility of undergoing surgery abroad to decompress the affected area. She is also raising funds for private consultations, travel expenses, and additional support at home. Reflecting on her experience, Griffiths wishes that more people were aware of incomplete and partial cauda equina syndrome, as early intervention could have potentially made a difference in her case.

As Griffiths continues to navigate her health challenges, her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking medical attention promptly when experiencing persistent pain or unusual symptoms.