Pain treatment and recovery of functionality in a former athlete diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome in the course of syringomyelia. Case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are few studies that address non-surgical treatment in cases of syringomyelia, which reduces the possibilities of treatment for the patient. The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of the physiotherapeutic treatment for the symptoms of the pathology. CASE REPORT: Idiopathic syringomyelia is a condition in which a cystic-shaped cavity appears within the spinal cord. After the diagnosis of syringomyelia in C3-C6, 3 years ago, the patient, a former volleyball athlete, remained stable with no anesthetic dissociation, muscle atrophy or limb paresthesia. However, she began to have constant back and neck pain to the extent of limiting her functioning in jogging, volleyball, and difficulties of movement in daily routine. The physiotherapeutic treatment in 6 sessions, worked in the muscle and fascial release with dry needling and manual myofascial release associated with specific vertebral adjustments with chiropractic techniques, and after the cessation of the pain, specific muscle strengthening exercises. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy showed to be an effective treatment for patient with syringomyelia that presented symptoms to myofascial pain syndrome.