Injuries to the lumbar spine are severe but not life-threatening. Early treatment is important to the prognosis of lumbar spinal cord damage. Patients with a lumbar spinal cord injury can be independent and care for their own mobility and hygienic needs. Many patients are able to maneuver around in their manual wheelchair and may even be able to walk for short distances. Weakness is the main issue with patients who experience lumbar nerve injuries, so physical therapy is a must in the recovery phase.

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), which is often difficult to distinguish from the similarly-located conus medullaris syndrome, affects the lumbar spine and is considered a medical emergency. CES affects the nerves of the lumbar spine, which may cause incontinence and potentially permanent paralysis of the legs. A patient’s symptoms may develop slowly, but once it is diagnosed, it requires immediate surgery.