Pain at site of syrinx???

[mrssquid11]

Is is possible for you to have pain in the exact location of your syrinx?  I know the main symptom of Syringomyelia is pain, but nothing is ever mentioned about pain in the actual location of the syrinx itself.  I am having pain in that area and I believe it is the syrinx but I'm not sure if this is possible.

Many thanks!

[selmaS]

  I had surgery to prevent a syrinx from forming as I know a syrinx can lead to perm nerve damage....

I understand you do not want this surgery none of us really do...and it is possible your symptoms are not all recognized....it is possible with a syrinx to not be able to feel some of them....

Not knowing if your Dr is a true Chiari specialist but do get an another opinion with this issue you now have...it could indicate you need to move forward with surgery.....but do so b4 you have perm nerve damage...ask a specialist.

[mrssquid11]

Thank you!  Yes, I suppose I should note, I was diagnosed with Chiari 1 Malformation and Syringomyelia back in 2009.  The herniation is 16mm and the syrinx extends from C6-T3, measuring 39.6 x 9.1 mm in sagittal plane and 9.8 x 8.4 mm in axial plane.  

I have not had the decompression surgery, as most of my symptoms are mild enough I feel I can live a relatively normal life with it.  I certainly have symptoms but it is not constant and I feel they are manageable, so while my doctor thinks I should have surgery, we have that understanding.  As long as symptoms, herniation and syrinx remain the same, he will not push the surgery on me, only strongly suggest it.  If there are any changes, I will have to undergo surgery.

That being said, recently, I have felt this almost constant pain where my syrinx is located.  It is a dull pain for the most part, feeling almost like a tight muscle, but definitely in my spine.  Almost like it's too much effort to keep my head up.

In addition, I get these shooting, stabbing pains in my neck, head and shoulders.  I also have a small osteophyte on the C6 so that could be causing the pain as well.

I am just worried perhaps the syrinx has grown or worsened because then I no longer have a choice.  I will require surgery.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I just replied to your post in the Spinal Cord C/D forum and suggested you might get answers here.....a good number of members with Chiari also have Syringomyelia....I am not one of them so I can not share my personal experience....

I have learned anything is possible....but keeping in mind most nerve issues are referred pain, meaning it depends on the nerve affected as to where you may feel pain, numbness etc....

But I do believe it may be possible to pin point a location of a syrinx due to pain...I  have found as I said b4 anything is possible.