from: back pain

Red flags of back and spinal cord disease

1. acute change (pain, weakness),
2. upper motor neuron signs (hyperreflexia, upgoing toes)
3. cauda equina
4. conus medullaris syndromes (saddle anesthesia
5. bowel/bladder or sexual dysfunction
6. reduced rectal tone
7. loss of sacral reflexes)
8. dyspnea when flat (C3–C5)
9. pain at rest or at night