Treating Chiari Malformation with Osteopathy

[5757]

My son's MRIs revealed that he has the Chiari Malformation and 2 syrinxes, one in his cervical spine and one in the thorathic portion of the spine.  We have an appointment with a neurosurgeon, who we are certain will recommend surgery, but we want surgery to be our very last treatment.  We are checking into cranial osteopathy treatment.  Has anyone had success with this type of treatment?  What kind of success or lack of success have you had.  I don't want to waste time and money on something that just doesn't work, but at the same time, I prefer anything non-surgical.  Thank you in advance for responding to my question.

[razzle5150]

I would really consider the surgery . and make sure you have a chiari expert . they are all over the US.

[Shane99]

Cranial osteopathy may help relieve some of the pain associated with the Chiari/Syringomyelia, but I don't think it can do much for the actual herniation. I don't know if it can help the syrinx' or not.

You said your son has 2 syrinx'. What is the size of his herniation and does he have Chiari 1 or worse? How old is he?

I know surgery is a scary concept, but there isn't a cure for Chiari and it will most likely continue to grow. Even surgery sometimes only slows down the herniation.