1-2.5mm syrinx in various locations

[maggie4408]

So, my doctors discovered that I have a few areas in my spine that a syrinx is forming; there's a spot in my lumbar spine, a spot in my thoracic spine (which is the largest) and a small spot in my cervical spine.  I don't have a malformation of my skull, and have had 2 separate operations to correct herniated disks.  I was doing well until the spring of 2011 when the paid returned in my back, resulting in pain meds, multiple scans (3 MRI's within a 2 week period), and eventually an injection in my lumbar spine of steroids to help control the pain...it worked to a point, but I wanted more control without the use of pain medications so I asked about a spinal block.  I was told I'd need another MRI to determine whether I'd be a candidate because of an issue with scar tissue.  When the MRI was performed, was when the syrinx were found.  Because I didn't seem to be having any issues related to them, nothing was done...I was told by the neuro surgeon that they just aren't large enough to cause any extra pain...but as for my back; it would always hurt, and I would not be a candidate for the block.  SO here I am, two years later, still on pain meds and now I have new symptoms...I thought nothing of it at first (fall of 2012)  but realized I could no longer knit Christmas gifts...knd of a bummer, but not life shattering.  The pain in my right index finger came and went...sometimes accompanied with swelling, and sometimes it wasn't.  My GP was stumped and first tried and xray, and nothing was found...next was an ultrasound, there was an enlargement of the tendon in my index finger (right)...again, I thought maybe I had unknowingly injured it while camping in the rockies the month before. (this was in late August of this year).  NOW...I am in constant pain, BOTH of my index fingers are constantly sore and weak, I haven't noticed too much swelling, but the pain and inconvenience of it is almost unbearable...I decided to go back to school in September and pursue another degree (sciences, this time)...I'm only 32 years old, and thought the extent of my pain was (kind of) manageable...so I did it!  Well, Now, I have constant index finger pain, my tongue goes totally numb (sometimes for two days straight), the side of my chin has become numb for days, sometimes only hours, though...I get these sharp burning prickly feelings in my hands, like a red hot ember has landed on my ring finger.  my ring and pinky fingers have been numb for days on end, and it happens at least once a day now...The worst part is the shoulder pain, much worse in the right than the left, I can't lift my arms without a massive amount of pain, it extends from mid back down my arms and all the way to my elbows...sometimes my hands too, but usually it's just the finger pain I described above.   What I NEED to know is whether this could be related to the syrinx "activity" in my spinal cord...I am so afraid and frustrated, my life has been on hold since the second back surgery, which was had after a massive seizure (never had one before) determining I have epilepsy...I AM 32 YEARS OLD!!! I'm in pretty good health otherwise (if you can call it "good"), I just want to get som e answers...I'm headed to my GP tonight after school, and I'll give him everything I've written here I just want some outside input...PLEASE HELP!!!  

[maggie4408]

Thank You for your answer, but is it possible to determine whether the syrinx has grown?  I wasn't having any pain before, and am now so I might venture a guess that the syrinx is beyond 3mm.  How large does it have to be to cause symptoms?  AND if it is larger, can an operation be done to drain the fluid?  I have two kids and a full time course load as well as a husband who works full time...I just don't have the time for drawn out therapy...

Thank You once again for the answer, I really do appreciate it! :)

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. Usually 1-2.5mm syrinx do not cause pain. However, if you had back surgeries in the area you have syrinx, then even a small syrinx can cause radiculopathy. This can be detected by EMG/NCV studies. The treatment is pain medications, physical therapy, traction, spinal manipulation and exercise. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.