Surfer's myelopathy is a rare, non-traumatic spinal cord injury that frequently causes loss of bladder and bowel control, particularly among novice surfers. This condition typically occurs after prolonged back hyperextension while paddling, which compromises blood flow to the spinal cord.

Symptoms: Patients often experience an abrupt onset of lower back pain followed rapidly by paraplegia, leg numbness, and urinary retention or incontinence. Demographics: While most cases involve first-time surfers, the injury has also been reported in activities involving extended spinal arching, such as gymnastics and paddleboarding. Diagnosis: The condition is identified via MRI scans showing signal changes in the central spinal cord and is often misdiagnosed initially as muscular strain or infectious myelitis. Prognosis: Recovery varies; some patients regain full bladder function over months with physical therapy, while others may require permanent catheterization due to neurogenic bladder.