Hello @paladin121 -- I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lisalucier and other members. I also want to thank you for your service. I had not heard of caudia equina syndrome but used my favorite research tool - Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) and found an abstract for an article that seems to support what you have said. Unfortunately it's just an abstract and you have to buy the full article. The following quote was from the abstract.

"Summary of Background Data. Cauda equina syndrome from lumbar disc herniation accounts for up to 1% of all disc herniations. Most of the literature supports surgery within 24 hours as a means of improving the outcome."

Medical Realities of Cauda Equina Syndrome Secondary to Lumbar Disc Herniation:
-- https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2000/02010/Medical_Realities_of_Cauda_Equina_Syndrome.15.aspx

Keep asking questions and looking for answers. You are your best advocate.

@sandytoes14 sent me the following link which may have better information on cauda equina syndrome:
-- https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/spinal/backpain/ces.php

John