A 65-year-old woman presents with pain in her lower back that radiates down her left leg. She has difficulty sitting for prolonged periods and has noticed a loss of bladder control. What is the probable diagnosis and what immediate action should be taken?
While the patient's symptoms may suggest sciatica, the loss of bladder control is concerning for cauda equina syndrome, a serious neurologic condition that can occur with severe nerve compression. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage.