Doctor just found a syrinx

I've had neck, upper back, and mild lumbar pain for 8 months now coupled with leg issues for more than a year. I finally got a lumbar MRI done and it showed a syrinx whose full extent is unknown -- I need to get MRIs done of my thoracic and cervical vertebrae this week.

In the meantime, if this is what's causing my symptoms, I need to know how to keep it from getting worse. I play bass in two bands and guitar in a third. I recently bought a very light bass, but it still makes my neck and shoulder a little sore. By standing up and playing it am I running the risk of worsening the syrinx?

[selmaS]

Hi...U should also ask for a MRI of the brain as well bcuz syringomyelia (syrinx) and chiari malformation can sometimes be found together.

And u should have a CINE MRI to check the CSF flow.

We do have a chiari/syringomyelia forum here on MedHelp...I invite u to join us there....u may find support and info from others with the same condition.

selmaS

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
Your symptoms are likely to get aggravated with prolonged standing . Decompression of the syrinx may help relieve the symptoms . Please consult a neurologist for the same . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[incirc1es]

I'm not so worried about aggravating the symptoms for the short term, just about worsening things in the long run, and wondering how careful I should be. I'll definitely be consulting a neurologist as soon as I can.

I had an MRI of my brain when I was younger and I think they would have noticed a chiari malformation. I think this is from an injury I suffered more recently. I didn't see the forum! Thanks! I'll go check it out.