Tight Muscles, Lump On Neck, Bone Cysts. Treatment ?

Posted on Sat, 18 Jun 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 Answered on

Wed, 23 May 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I just went to the chiropractor because I've had tight muscles/lump on the left side of my neck along the spine at the base of the skull. He took x-rays. He saw a mass along the neck which he feels is a bone cyst. He has recommended a CT scan for follow up. What are the possible explanations for this mass other than a bone cyst? I've had lab work done once or twice a year over the past couple of years. Nothing has ever altered my doctor. How concerned should I be? Even reading about bone cysts has me worried. Do you have any recommendations for following up on this tentative diagnosis? I am a 53 year old female, 5' 6", 133 pounds. I did have a whiplash about a year ago, and the location of this mass is in the area where the pain was the greatest after the whiplash.

Answered by Dr. Sangeet (-4 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for the query.

Please don't worry. There are a number of causes of cyst in the neck bone. They could be benign or malignant. Every cyst has its own characteristic appearance. I don't wanna scare you enlisting the causes of bone cysts as a vertebral cyst is purely a radiological diagnosis and its difficult to comment based on the history and clinical findings.

So, it would be helpful if you mail me the X-rays and preferably CT-scan. Kindly lemme know what other symptoms you have too.

Please mail them to me at YYYY@YYYY ATTN 'Sangeet'.

I am keen to follow you up. Please write back.

Wish you good health.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar