Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS) is a neurological disorder in which the spinal cord is abnormally attached (or "tethered") to the surrounding tissues of the spinal canal, preventing it from moving freely within the spinal column.
This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
​
-
Pain (especially lower back or leg pain)
-
Weakness or loss of sensation in the legs
-
Bladder or bowel dysfunction
-
Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)
Tethered cord can occur at birth or develop later in life due to factors causing increased inflammation or immune dysregulation such as trauma, tumors, scar tissue, and even post-infectious. We see it commonly connected with connective tissue disorders such as hEDS or HSD (hypermobile spectrum disorder).
Connection to Connective Tissue Disorders
Tethered Cord Syndrome is commonly seen in individuals with connective tissue disorders. Connective tissues provide support and structure to the body, and disorders affecting these tissues can lead to abnormalities in the spinal cord's development or stability.
Some of the connective tissue disorders most frequently associated with TCS include:
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD): A group of disorders that affect collagen production, leading to hyperelastic skin, joint hypermobility, and increased risk of injury or instability in connective tissues. EDS can increase the risk of abnormal spinal cord tethering due to the spine's and surrounding tissues' weakened structural integrity.
These disorders can result in abnormal mechanical stresses on the spine, making individuals more vulnerable to conditions like TCS. The increased laxity or instability in connective tissues may make it easier for the spinal cord to become tethered or for tethering to worsen over time.
Diagnosis and Management:
The Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS) diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and imaging tests. A thorough approach is necessary since symptoms can be subtle or overlap with other conditions.
Here's an overview of the typical diagnostic process:
​
-
Clinical Evaluation
-
Medical History
-
Imaging Tests and Other Studies
-
Surgical Consultation: If TCS is suspected and confirmed via imaging, a neurological or neurosurgical consultation is often required to discuss treatment options, which may include surgery to release the tethered cord. However, there are other integrative options to consider.
Integrative Treatments for Tethered Cord Syndrome
The tethered cord Fascial Counterstrain protocol incorporates techniques to target the dura, filum, and nearby nerve roots, while also addressing blood and lymphatic flow around the spinal cord. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide meaningful symptom relief without the risks of surgery.
For a closer look at Fascial Counterstrain in action, watch this video featuring Brianna Cardenas, DMSc, PA-C, ATC, demonstrating its application.
Integrative treatments aim to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and support conventional medical care, such as surgery or physical therapy. Some of the integrative approaches for TCS include:
Shockwave or Acoustic Compression Therapy
Shockwave therapy, also known as Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy, uses sound (acoustic) waves to trigger biochemical changes in living tissue.
Mechanical forces induce a wide range of cellular events, including cell proliferation, differentiation, gene expression, and protein synthesis of connective tissue components. They also signal the production of cytokines (protein messengers), growth factors, and stem cells to the injured area.
But not all pain actually starts from where it feels like the pain is emanating from. So part of the process can include discovering the true source of the pain so that the root of the pain is targeted and resolved.
Counterstrain-Strain
Fascial Counterstrain (FCS). This gentle manual therapy focuses on reducing fascial restrictions and alleviating interstitial inflammation (inflammation around the cells inside of the tissues), promoting relief for patients with these complex conditions.
FCS addresses key mechanisms that contribute to tethered cord symptoms:
Reducing Inflammatory Adhesions
Tethered cord syndrome is often associated with adhesions in the dura (the spinal cord's protective layer), filum terminale, or arachnoid layers surrounding nerve roots. FCS helps reduce interstitial inflammatory stasis, calming mast cell activation and decreasing the propensity for adhesions. This process alleviates neurologic tension and may reduce symptoms like numbness, tingling, and bladder dysfunction.
Relieving Pain and Supporting Nerve Function
Fascial restrictions and inflammation can compress nerves, causing pain and neurologic symptoms. By targeting these restrictions, FCS gently restores mobility, reduces physiological adhesions, and promotes better nerve function.
Improving Circulation
FCS techniques work directly on the dura, filum terminale, and surrounding vasculature (arteries and veins) to enhance blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Improved circulation decreases swelling, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue health.
Calming the Nervous System
Chronic pain and inflammation often lead to overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, perpetuating mast cell activation and worsening pain. FCS helps alleviate pain and inflammation, promoting nervous system balance and reducing symptom intensity.
​
Physical Therapy:
Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. A physical therapist can design a program to reduce pain, improve posture, and support motor function.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture may be used to manage chronic pain or muscle stiffness associated with TCS. It is thought to help stimulate nerve function and promote overall balance in the body.
Postural Training:
For individuals with scoliosis or abnormal spinal alignment, postural training may help reduce strain on the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
Surgical Interventions:
In some cases, surgery to release the tethered cord may be necessary. Integrative treatments can be used pre-and post-operatively to support recovery and minimize complications.
Get the Help You Need at Neuroveda Health
Tethered Cord Syndrome can be a debilitating condition, and its association with connective tissue disorders complicates diagnosis and management. A multi-faceted treatment approach, blending conventional and integrative therapies, can offer significant benefits in improving quality of life.
​
See how we can help by reaching out to us today: