getting old...

[jbeckett92679]

I have a syrinx and pinched nerve and bulging disc in between c5 and c6.  the pain is now running down to the middle of my back and lower back.  Is it usual to have disc pain and nerve pain to do this?  I am in good shape and see a cardiologist regularly for an aortic valve disorder, but no symptoms of that condition have presented at all.  I guess, I am getting older, but 34 isn't a good age to wear out your back.  Anyway, I have seen a chiro and Neurologist, but no surgery for me because nothing is "severe".  Going to see a new chiro in a week, and I hope that he can treat me effectively.  I am on meloxicam 15 mg and cyclobenzaprine 10 mg daily.  pain still persists and I have trouble sleeping nightly.  If anyone has any suggestions for relieving pain, let me know.  I am using biofreeze and tiger balm as well, and nothing does much for long.

[jbeckett92679]

Thanks for the reply.  the syrinx was discovered on an mri i had about 6 months back, as was the disk.  I am not aware of any injury at all.  I used to do some olympic lifting, but it was about 15 years ago, in my late teens and early 20's.  I drive a lot now for my job, and am doing well at it.  It could be from weight and posture issues after I had to stop lifting due to the aortic valve issue.
I still exercise on eliptical and arc trainer, but no longer lift, as recommended by my cardio and chiro.  
I had a surgical consult, and was told that the syrinx was only 2mm in diameter, and would not need surgery, and it was likely that I have had it since birth.  
as far as my cervical spine goes, it pops when I move, and in between my shoulder blades is always sore, unless I take something.  
I'll let you know what the xrays say in a week or two when I get my consult.

[EdwardPB]

Part of the problem is the medications you are taking. The muscle relaxants do exactly the opposite of what your body needs. Your body needs the muscles to support the skeletal structure that is not able to fully do it's job.
Also, be aware that chiropractors can be very dangerous. They can cause much more damage, when it comes to spine and disk issues. There are situations where the retraction of a disk bulges worse after release, and can be pinched or ruptured. Plus, any wear type issues can have a drastic increase in the wear and tear.
I am not making negative accusations against Chiropractors, just that you should be aware of the pitfalls, with information not provided by someone who benefits from the type of information you are given.
The best way to relieve the pain, is through physical therapy designed to increase the muscle and other soft tissue, surrounding the effected areas.
Surgery is definitely a last resort, as with a syrinx, expansion of the area at the syrinx, or a shunt, or the only 2 options. These generally have a poor outcome, and are meant to slow severe progression that out-way the risks.
You don't mention the injury or cause of the disk and nerve issues? Also, the cause of the syrinx? (as it could be unrelated, but I doubt that)
As for going down the back: That is not unusual, and a sign the injury is degrading further. It could be the disk, the nerve or the syrinx. For your sake, I hope it is the disk or nerve, as those have the least complications and best chance for correcting.
Good luck.