What is tethered spinal cord syndrome?

Stretched spine: Tethered cord syndrome is where the spinal cord is stretched because it failed to grow along with the rest of the spine. The cord is attached to the sacrum but as we grow as a child this attachment lengthens along with our body growing taller. When this does not happen, the cord stretches and this causes pain, weakness, and bowel/bladder problems. If very symptomatic, it requires surgery.