Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can compress the sacral nerves, causing lower back pain, sciatica, constipation, and headaches. Women are more likely to develop them, and treatment can be surgical or non-surgical, including dietary changes and steroid medications.
Tarlov cysts are cysts that typically form around the sacrum nerves at the base of the spine. These cysts usually appear as small sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid. They form most often at the roots of the sacral nerves and can lead to compression of these nerves. Not all Tarlov cysts cause symptoms, but when they do appear, symptoms can include lower back pain, sciatica, constipation, and headaches. Dietary changes, steroid medications, and surgery can help relieve Tarlov cyst symptoms in some patients.
Women are considered to be much more likely than men to develop Tarlov cysts. Many people with Tarlov cysts don’t show any symptoms. Although these cysts can cause compression of the sacral nerve roots, they generally must grow to a considerable size before compression of the nerve begins.
Nerve compression associated with Tarlov cysts can be quite painful. Sciatica, which normally causes burning pains that strike the legs from the buttocks or lumbar spine, can occur when Tarlov cysts begin to compress the sacral nerves. Other symptoms of nerve pressure in the lower spine can include sexual dysfunction, constipation, urinary incontinence, and partial numbness or paralysis in the legs or feet. Lower back pain is considered common and can result from damage to the spinal bones caused by compression of the nerves. These cysts can lead to imbalances in cerebrospinal fluid pressure, causing headaches.
Treatment can be surgical or non-surgical. Draining the cerebrospinal fluid from the cysts may temporarily relieve the compression of the nerve, but usually does not prevent the cysts from recurring. Filling the drained cyst with fibrin glue or other filling material can help keep the cyst from growing back. Complete removal of the cyst and associated nerve root may be an option for some patients. In some cases, however, such surgery does not relieve Tarlov cyst symptoms.
Dietary changes and the use of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve Tarlov cyst symptoms without surgery. Corticosteroids can be injected into the area to relieve pain and inflammation. Dietary changes typically aim to create a more acidic environment within the body, as this is thought to mitigate the development of Tarlov cysts. Specialized nutritional supplements can be given to help support the effects of dietary changes.
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