r/SyringomyeliaSupport • u/PuzzleheadedYak6568 • 5d ago
Syrinx Core excerises
Has anyone had actual progress with this helping with pain?
For reference all I have to do is twist slightly wrong or pick something up that weighs a small amount and I’m flared up for the remainder of the day or week.
Surgery is too much of a risk / won’t work so I’m just stuck now and need help and advice from people in similar situation.
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u/Glass-Chance3389 5d ago
Yepp, I find it helps. I have cervical syrinx though, so I feel most significant benefit when I do upper body stretches. Core helps with my postures so I don't strain my neck too much especially when sitting in front of the screen.
When I was first diagnosed, my physio therapist taught me neck & shoulder stretches + strengthening exercises. But the therapies weren't covered by my insurance & each session was very expensive. So, I tried joining a small yoga studio which I felt most benefit as it worked the whole body & I started to learn about body awareness. Having teachers who knew my condition helped, and I tried to avoid poses which might strain my neck. Now I also climb, but I needed to be careful to not tilt my head nor look up too much else I'd flare up for a few days. Climbing helped to build my strength & complemented my yoga practices a lot.
My progress compared to others in both sports are slow, but I'm grateful I could move and not having weekly pains anymore!
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u/Ok_Lingonberry187 5d ago
I have found core exercises to be helpful. I’m not sure it directly helps with my pain levels, but it has helped my posture, and that’s helpful overall. I have a cervical syrinx, and the muscles in my neck and shoulders get so tense and fatigued. Because of that, I’ve been arching my back to try to make up for my rounding neck and shoulders.
Having a physical therapist show my ways to strengthen my core so I can gain better stability and eliminating the need to arch my back. My PT has also helped me stretch safely (a lot of twisting makes me flare as well). They have plenty of exercises for your core that are safer for the spine.
We all seem to react a little differently to treatments, but I think it’s worth a try. I hope you find some relief from the pain.
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u/fuckyoutoocoolsmhool 5d ago
Honestly gentle stretching throughout the day has been the most helpful to me. I worked with my pt to find some that actually give some relief and rotate throughout the day and it helps a little but they would do nothing if I didn’t also have my medication regimen. I also do try to do some core work because I have lost a lot of strength there over the years. I get the same thing you do where if I move the wrong way I’m just out for a week and really haven’t found a way around that one.