Yoga Pose Leads to Rare Medical Condition for British Woman
A British woman, Terrilyn Griffiths, 44, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, has been warned by her doctor that she is at risk of developing a rare spinal condition due to a yoga pose she performed years ago, according to reports from SWNS. Griffiths exhibited early signs of Cauda Equina syndrome (CES), a serious condition that affects spinal nerves, after an MRI revealed a slipped disc. This injury was linked to a yoga pose she was demonstrating in 2021.
“When my back gave way, I was showing my ex’s kids how to do the Standing Bridge,” she recalled, referring to the incident. At first, she didn’t think much of it, but after two weeks, she began to feel persistent back pain, often fearful that her lower back might give out. “It didn’t help that I had a demanding job, carrying heavy materials all day,” Griffiths said, reflecting on her then-position in a factory.
She endured the pain for six months until it seemed to subside, which led her to believe it had healed on its own. But in June 2023, after nearly two years, the pain returned. Griffiths sought medical advice in January 2024 and was informed of the potential risk of CES, which could lead to pain, weakness, and incontinence.
“CES is traumatic and life-changing. It took my life,” she shared. The doctor recommended physiotherapy, yet Griffiths felt that it wasn’t helping her situation. She was not considered a candidate for surgery, as she did not have the “red flag symptoms” typically associated with CES.
During this time, she experienced issues like reduced dexterity in her hands and changes in sensation in her pelvic area. “I’ve been having a hard time walking,” she noted, explaining that navigating stairs has become a challenge without feeling pins and needles.
Despite nine months of minor exercises under a physiotherapist’s guidance, her back pain intensified. “CES is truly traumatizing,” she reiterated, expressing concern that many people are unaware of the condition, making appropriate treatment more difficult to access. “I feel like I have little hope for the future,” she added, quite candidly.
Griffiths mentioned she’s now exploring surgical options, even considering procedures abroad to alleviate her condition. “I just wish more people understood about the incomplete and partial forms of Cauda Equina syndrome,” she said, reflecting on how different her journey might have been had there been more awareness.
The National Health Service in the UK warns that if CES isn’t treated promptly, it can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. Meanwhile, Griffiths is actively raising funds for private consultations, travel costs, and necessary support at home as she navigates the challenges ahead.
