Syringomyelia Support Group

Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a cyst or tubular cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord resulting in pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs.

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Monte 12/28/2008

I have had the shunt surgery in my C-spine(neck) and I had prior to that surgery,muscle tension in my neck and shoulder muscles to the point that I was so tight that I couldn`t move.Since the surgery,even with muscle relaxers and pain med`s it feels like the muscles are so tight that my head is going to flip over backwards.Dose anyone have this problem and what can I do to get rid of the pain and tension.
I have been to pain specalist and nothing that they have done or given me has worked.The last one that I went to tried a nerve block but he did it in my lower Lumbar spine.He point blank told me he would not even touch my neck because of the surgery that I had to put the shunt in,he ne4ver explained why beyond that.

deleted_user 12/29/2008

Hi Monte, I haven't had surgery and hearing your story is making me think about whether I should have a shunt placed. The syrinx on my spine extends from my neck to my thoracic area. I worry because I do not want it to get worse. This condition has affected my work. I wish there was a cure for this condition. I pray that you feel better. I always say that God is my strength. I will add you to my prayer list.

Monte 12/30/2008

I guess it is a choice of the lesser of to evils.On the one hand I was facinf loosing all of the strength in my arms and hands,and also function of the same.I know that I needed to have the surgery but then why dosen`t the pain doc want to inject that area when that was the primary reason that I went to see them in the first place.It just dosen`t make sence to me.Thank you for your prayers,they are greatly appricated.
I don`t know what to advise you on your treatment,but if you are loosing function and feelings in your hands then maybe you should consider having it done before the damage has been done and can`t be fixed.

deleted_user 12/31/2008

Try a rameadial massage, I have 1 a week and that takes a lot of tightness out.

deleted_user 01/06/2010

Have you tried macrofacial release therapy? This really helped me after my second discectomy and fusion (4 levels all together with small syrinx still present). It totally relieved the tension and muscle aches and gave me the ability to turn my head much more than I could when I first began the therapy.
Nancy

deleted_user 01/06/2010

I meant to say myofacial release.
Nancy

deleted_user 01/18/2010

That sounds bad, my neck feels like paper mashay and get a bad headache every week or so. what can we do about this ?

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