Zoe Fox, who had previously undergone years of infertility treatments, experienced a sudden onset of severe back pain while picking up her infant daughter. Initially seeking professional advice from her GP, she was prescribed painkillers and advised to self-refer for physiotherapy, with the earliest appointment weeks away. Despite seeing an osteopath, her condition worsened dramatically over the following days.
Eight days after the initial pain, the day before her daughter Shola's first birthday party, Fox experienced extreme agony and a loss of sensation in her foot. Her attempts to manage the pain, including a hot bath, proved futile, and she collapsed on the floor. A taxi ride home resulted in a complete loss of feeling in her legs.
After managing to get upstairs, Fox contacted NHS 111, which dispatched an ambulance. At the hospital, an emergency MRI revealed a herniated disc that was severely compressing nerves at the base of her spinal cord. Doctors informed her that emergency surgery was necessary within hours to prevent permanent paralysis.
The condition was diagnosed as cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition that occurs when the nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. Following the operation, Fox faced a long and challenging recovery. She was informed that she would need to relearn basic functions like walking and using the toilet simultaneously with her daughter's developmental milestones.
She developed a neurogenic bowel, a loss of normal function due to nerve damage, and required a catheter. The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), a charity she is now an ambassador for, provided crucial support. The organization connected her with a urology nurse for self-catheterization training and a bowel nurse to help manage her condition. Counselling support was also instrumental during this period.
After 13 months, Fox was admitted to the Stanmore spinal injuries unit for a month-long rehabilitation program. During her stay, she learned to manage her condition in a specialized environment and connected with others undergoing similar recovery processes. She found solace in journaling, processing the intense emotions and grief associated with her injury.
Six years later, Fox continues to manage chronic neuropathic pain and spasms in her legs. She uses crutches for short distances and a mobility scooter or wheelchair for longer journeys. While her bladder function has improved significantly, she still experiences pelvic floor challenges. In November 2025, she collaborated with the SIA to present recommendations regarding spinal cord injury strategy at Downing Street. Fox has also spoken about how her experience has led to personal growth and a greater appreciation for her body, including managing lipoedema, a condition she had long struggled with.
Fox's journey underscores the critical importance of not dismissing persistent back pain as a minor issue, as it can be an indicator of severe underlying conditions like cauda equina syndrome. The article is based on her personal account, published in conjunction with her book 'Activate Your Light'.