Question 1

what is a synovial cyst in your spine ?

Accepted Answer

Fluid sac : This is a fluid filled sac that arises from degeneration of the facet joints. When present they usually occur in the lumbar spine, mainly l4-5 & l5-s1. Symptoms result from formation of spinal stenosis with resulting irritation of the affected nerve root.  Since cysts are a result of degenerative changes, they usually are not present until after the age of 40.

Question 2

how serious is  taking out a synovial cyst that is close to the spine?

Accepted Answer

See spine surgeon: Synovial cysts are treated by mainly  3 methods. Observation along with activity modification for minimal complaints. Cyst injections; either directely thru the facet joint with drainage & steroid injection or by epidural steroid. The latter does not decrease the cyst size but eliminate inflammation. The 3rd is either a decompression with foraminotomy or with fusion if instability is present.

Question 3

mri results of lumbar spine: small synovial cysts along the posterior aspect of the left articular facet? what does this mean in 30yr old female

Accepted Answer

No real issue: Synovial cysts are congenital variations of no significance unless they substantially enlarge, and in your case, seem a co-incidental finding of little relevance.   Discuss in more detail with your doctor and have him/her demonstrate the findings on the films to provide further reassurance.

Question 4

with degenerative disc disease, facet arthrosis, nerve compression, buldging discs lumbar and cervical regions, synovial cyst posterior lumbar region in spine, continueum spasms, the need of surgery is the option as of now. i have been through all treatme

Accepted Answer

Unsure of question: Most surgeons exhaust non-operative care before recommending surgery. Non-operative care can include medications (anti-infammatory arthritis type medicine or pain medications), physical therapy, activity modification, exercise, bracing, chiropractic care, interventional pain management (injections), or alternative medical approaches.

Question 5

synovial fluid cyst removed from my hip 2005. grown back 2x & doctor has aspirated. symptoms again, should i seek 2nd opinion or keep aspirating ?

Accepted Answer

Second or third op: Synovial fluid  removal from a hip is rare.  If there is re- accumulation you need to get a second or third opinion. It may be time to get a hip replacement. If you get an infection it could be quite serious. It could prevent an actual hip replacement. NO more aspiration .

Question 6

i am experiencing tingling/like pins and needles in my body. pain is felt especially on the right side from the back to the feet. i had similar symptoms before and its getting worse. mri scan was done reporting left l4/5 and right l5/s1 synovial cyst?

Accepted Answer

Follow up with Dr.: The neurologist can evaluate and may order an imaging scan if another is needed. A physical medicine doctor can also help. If there is a lesion on the scan that needs surgical treatment, a neurosurgeon gets involved. These cases sometimes are helped by second opinions. Situations are too complex for a public forum.

Question 7

how serious are synovial and tarlov cysts in the low back?  and will they get bigger? what is the best treatment?  thanks

Accepted Answer

Let me explain: Tarlov cysts are defined as cysts formed within the nerve-root sheath at the dorsal root ganglion. The etiology of these cysts is not well understood; most common in the lower spine. They could cause some problems. 
The etiology of lumber spine synovial cyst is still unclear, most of them with arthritis of the spine. They are not serious problems.

Question 8

i am living with back pain since 2003. i have 2 synovial cyst which seems to move and cause a pain. what is the best option to get rid of such cysts?

Accepted Answer

Maybe not the cause: Facet joint synovial cysts are not uncommon. However, they may not be the cause of your symptoms. Generally, these cysts only are a problem when they cause nerve compression or stenosis. Then you will have sciatica or shooting pain down the leg. Otherwise, the cyst is just a consequence of osteoarthritis of the spine. If compressive, the cyst can be treated by injection or eventually surgery.

Question 9

synovial cyst and fluid collection around left knee in mri. feels likes it can't bear weight, is hot and back of knee is swollen. could be ra?

Accepted Answer

While it could be,: It does not mean it is. There are numerous other things this could be, anywhere from a bakers cyst that's irritated, an acute injury, or an infected joint. Speak to the physician who ordered the MRI and ask about a simple blood test to rule out RA (most likely) and then workout an accurate treatment plan.   If that is your only, and first "hot" joint, then don't worry, just have lab checked.

Question 10

what is a synovial cyst?

Accepted Answer

Fluid filled sac...: That can develop over any tendon or joint in the body. Usually, joint is damaged in some way, such as with osteoarthritis, where there is some destruction of the integrity of the joint space. Mostly, not painful or disabling, though may be unsightly. Exceptions would include one that is within the lower lumbar spine impinging on nerves; or knee 'baker's cyst' causing pain & swelling (r/o dvt).

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Doctor answers about:

Symptoms of synovial cysts in the spine

A member asked:

What is a synovial cyst in your spine ?

A member asked:

How serious is taking out a synovial cyst that is close to the spine?

A member asked:

Mri results of lumbar spine: small synovial cysts along the posterior aspect of the left articular facet? what does this mean in 30yr old female

A member asked:

With degenerative disc disease, facet arthrosis, nerve compression, buldging discs lumbar and cervical regions, synovial cyst posterior lumbar region in spine, continueum spasms, the need of surgery is the option as of now. i have been through all treatme

A member asked:

Synovial fluid cyst removed from my hip 2005. grown back 2x & doctor has aspirated. symptoms again, should i seek 2nd opinion or keep aspirating ?

A member asked:

I am experiencing tingling/like pins and needles in my body. pain is felt especially on the right side from the back to the feet. i had similar symptoms before and its getting worse. mri scan was done reporting left l4/5 and right l5/s1 synovial cyst?

A member asked:

How serious are synovial and tarlov cysts in the low back? and will they get bigger? what is the best treatment? thanks

A member asked:

I am living with back pain since 2003. i have 2 synovial cyst which seems to move and cause a pain. what is the best option to get rid of such cysts?

A member asked:

Synovial cyst and fluid collection around left knee in mri. feels likes it can't bear weight, is hot and back of knee is swollen. could be ra?

A member asked:

What is a synovial cyst?

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