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Syringomyelia Spinal Cord Disorder

Syringomyelia Spinal Cord Disorder

by | Spinal Decompression Treatments, Spine Care, Treatments

Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst/syrinx forms within the spinal cord. It is progressive, meaning that the cyst grows with time causing compression and damage to the spinal cord. The cyst usually begins in the neck/cervical spine but can develop in any area along the spinal cord. There are several possible causes; however, most are associated with a condition known as Chiari malformation. This is where the skull and neck come together, and either the skull is too small or shaped in a way that causes brain tissue to come out and settle in the spinal canal.

Syringomyelia Spinal Cord Disorder

Syringomyelia Causes

Syringomyelia can be caused by or from complications of:

  • Congenital disabilities like Chiari malformation
  • Chiari type I malformation develops during the fetal developmental stage and causes the lower part of the brain or cerebellum to stick out from its standard location.
  • Hemorrhage/bleeding
  • Inflammation of the spinal cord from virus or bacterial infection like meningitis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Spinal cord tumor

Symptoms

A damaged spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms differ for every individual, but common syringomyelia symptoms include:

Symptoms usually develop slowly, but exercise, coughing, or some form of strain can cause sudden onset.

Diagnosis

Physical and neurological exams are performed to determine loss of feeling or inability to move around normally, like walking. Diagnostic tests of the spine will include a CT scan with contrast dye and/or an MRI. Early detection can help before it progresses, causing further damage, and delaying treatment can cause irreversible spinal cord injury. It is recommended at the first sign of symptoms to contact a doctor.

Treatment

Some individuals who have syringomyelia may have no symptoms. These individuals can go about their everyday lives but are recommended to be cautious with neck and back strain. For individuals experiencing symptoms, the primary treatment objectives are to:

  • Stop or control damage to the spinal cord
  • Preserve function
  • Prevent disability
  • Treatment options include:
  • Draining the cyst
  • Surgical removal of the cyst
  • Chiropractic and physical therapy could be included in the treatment plan to help the individual rebuild lost muscle strength and regain flexibility.

All too often, individuals with this disorder experience treatment delay/s because symptoms can be nonspecific or vague. Education is the key, and individuals can be diagnosed sooner by paying attention to the body’s warning signs.

Body Composition

Does too much protein hurt the kidneys?

While protein restriction can be appropriate for treating existing kidney disease, research shows that high protein intake in healthy individuals does not disrupt or cause damage to the kidneys or kidney function. The amino acids in protein are more likely to be excreted through urine when not being used. However, there are certain risks associated with consuming too much protein, and it is recommended to keep track of protein intake. Eating more protein:

  • Makes the body feel full longer
  • Can help curb overeating
  • Is essential for recovery and growth

When achieving daily caloric goals, maintaining a balance of nutrients like carbohydrates and healthy fats is essential for overall health.

References

Batzdorf, Ulrich. “Primary spinal syringomyelia. Invited submission from the joint section meeting on disorders of the spine and peripheral nerves, March 2005.” Journal of neurosurgery. Spine vol. 3,6 (2005): 429-35. doi:10.3171/spi.2005.3.6.0429

Di Lorenzo, N, and F Cacciola. “Adult syringomyelia. Classification, pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches.” Journal of neurosurgical sciences vol. 49,3 (2005): 65-72.

Fernández, Alfredo Avellaneda et al. “Malformations of the craniocervical junction (Chiari type I and syringomyelia: classification, diagnosis, and treatment).” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 10 Suppl 1, Suppl 1 S1. 17 Dec. 2009, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-10-S1-S1

Naftel, Robert P et al. “Worsening or development of syringomyelia following Chiari I decompression: case report.” Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics vol. 12,4 (2013): 351-6. doi:10.3171/2013.7.PEDS12522

Roy, Anil K et al. “Idiopathic syringomyelia: retrospective case series, comprehensive review, and update on management.” Neurosurgical focus vol. 31,6 (2011): E15. doi:10.3171/2011.9.FOCUS11198

Baker’s Cyst: How Chiropractic Can Help Alleviate Its Pain

Baker’s Cyst: How Chiropractic Can Help Alleviate Its Pain

by | Chiropractic, Complex Injuries, El Paso Chiropractic News

A baker�s cyst can cause pain, swelling, and limit the mobility in the affected knee. In some cases, complications can develop, causing severe problems with the leg. The problem with this type of cyst is that even if it is drained�if the underlying cause isn�t addressed, the cyst can return. Chiropractic can be used to treat baker�s cyst and help relieve the pain that it causes.

What is a Baker�s Cyst?

A Baker�s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled lump behind the knee. Synovial fluid builds up to form the benign cyst. It starts inside the knee but eventually extruded through the back part of the knee and forms a lump. Many times there is no discomfort or pain from the cyst, although there may be some pressure on the back side of the knee. The pain that is often associated with a Baker�s cyst is usually caused by the underlying problem that causes it. In some cases, a Baker�s cyst can become large enough to inhibit movement which can impact mobility.

baker's cyst chiropractic care el paso tx.

What Causes a Baker�s Cyst?

A Baker�s cyst is caused by overproduction of synovial fluid in the knee that leads to the fluid building up and forming a lump. There are several reasons that this can happen, including knee joint inflammation and injury to the knee. A meniscal cartilage tear or another cartilage injury of the knee can cause a cyst to develop. Certain types of arthritis in the knee, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause the excess fluid to accumulate. Knee arthritis, a common condition among older adults, can also cause the development of a Baker�s cyst.

What are the Potential Complications of Baker�s Cyst?

Sometimes the location or size of a Baker�s cyst can cause swelling in the back of the knee. The cyst itself can be as large as a golf ball. This can put pressure on the joint, making it difficult to bend the knee. This pressure can extend through the calf muscle. The patient may experience tenderness and pain after exercising.

In rare cases, a Baker�s cyst can burst, causing the synovial fluid to leak into the calf. This can cause swelling and knee pain that is sharp and can be intense. The patient may notice redness in the calf or experience the sensation of water running down the back of the calf area. Because symptoms of a burst Baker�s cyst can closely resemble a blood clot in the leg, the patient should seek immediate medical attention to rule out a more severe condition.

How is a Baker�s Cyst Treated?

Some no treatment for popliteal cysts and they go away on their own. If a form of arthritis is causing the cyst, treating that problem may resolve the cyst. The same goes for a cyst caused by an injury to the knee. Once the damage is fixed, the cyst typically resolves as well.

If the cyst does not go away or if it is problematic, causing intense pain or limits mobility, the patient may talk to their doctor about getting it drained. The doctor will use a needle, insert it directly into the cyst and drain the fluid. Steroid medications may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling. In sporadic cases, surgery may be required to remove the cyst.

Chiropractic for Baker�s Cyst

Many patients choose to seek chiropractic care to treat a Baker�s cyst because it is noninvasive and does not use medications that can have unpleasant or harmful side effects. The chiropractor will assess the cyst and conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause. This will help them decide the best course of treatment. Sometimes an old injury can continue to put stress on the joint, causing a lingering tension pattern. A chiropractor can address this, bringing the body back into alignment, thus alleviating the problem. This will help reduce the pain, inflammation, and swelling. Chiropractic is also an effective treatment for arthritis so if that is the cause of the cyst; regular chiropractic care can help considerably. Often, once the underlying condition is corrected, the cyst goes away on its own.

Chiropractic Care Knee Injury

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