Diagnosing Post-traumatic Syringomyelia Prior to Manipulation

A PATIENT COMPLAINING of neck pain presented with neurological deficits and upon evaluation with advanced imaging studies was diagnosed with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). Syringomyelia is not a disease in itself, but rather a descriptor referring to any fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord. Owing to the presence of this cervical lesion, the patient was treated conservatively with low-force techniques at the level of involvement. Furthermore, the patient continues to be monitored for progression of this potentially aggressive lesion. This case is presented to illustrate the importance of proper diagnosis of PTS, as forceful spinal manipulative therapy in proximity to the lesion could potentially result in serious consequences.