text: Syringomyelia Lifestyle and home remedies - Mayo Clinic
  If syringomyelia isn't causing any problems, monitoring the condition may be all that's necessary. But if you're bothered by symptoms, you may need surgery.Syringomyelia symptoms usually develop slowly over time. If your syringomyelia is caused by protrusion of brain tissue into your spinal canal (Chiari malformation), symptoms generally may begin between ages 25 and 40.
  If you've experienced a spinal cord injury, watch carefully for signs and symptoms of syringomyelia. Many months to several years may pass after an injury before syringomyelia develops. If you have symptoms, when you go for an evaluation make sure your doctor knows you had a spinal cord injury.It's unclear exactly how and why syringomyelia happens. When it develops, cerebrospinal fluid — the fluid that surrounds, cushions and protects your brain and spinal cord — collects within the spinal cord itself, forming a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx).
  Avoid doing anything that seems to worsen your symptoms. For many people with syringomyelia, straining can trigger symptoms, so try to avoid activities that involve heavy lifting or straining. Also, avoid sharply flexing your neck.To diagnose syringomyelia, your doctor will begin by asking about your medical history and doing a complete physical examination.
  The syrinx may grow over time, requiring additional treatment. Even after treatment, some signs and symptoms of syringomyelia may remain, as a syrinx can cause permanent spinal cord and nerve damage.Taking the following steps may help reduce the effects of syringomyelia on your daily living.
  Often, the most appropriate approach for treatment of chronic pain due to syringomyelia is to have a health care team that includes your neurosurgeon, neurologist, a rehabilitation specialist and a pain management physician who can work together to create an appropriate plan for your situation.Living with syringomyelia and its complications can be extremely difficult. You may feel as if syringomyelia affects every aspect of your life and would love to not think about it for a day, especially if you have constant reminders, such as chronic pain or nerve issues.
  March 25, 2014Original article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/syringomyelia/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20034245