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Spinal synovial cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop along the spine, and it occurs because of the degeneration of a facet joint in the spine. A synovial cyst usually develops in the lower spine, in the lumbar region.
Cysts of this type are uncommon and rarely produce symptoms. Cysts aren't deadly or cancerous. It is possible, however, that they may cause issues with your spine, such as spinal stenosis.
Cause
Your spine's facet joints can produce more fluid when they break down than when they are healthy. Bone Fluids are beneficial for damaged joints, providing extra lubrication and easing joint movement. The excess liquid, however, may result in the development of a cyst. In joints, the synovial lining can become clogged as fluid builds up, and cysts may eventually form.
Cyst fluid is not dangerous. There is no pressure on it, and it won't cause any problems until it starts pushing on the spine. Cysts are rarely a problem, even if they are significant.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
As the spine deteriorates, synovial cysts are most common in older adults. Under 50, synovial cysts are rare.
When a synovial cyst is large enough to interfere with the spine, it rarely causes noticeable or detectable symptoms. The cyst may then cause symptoms of spinal stenosis. Some of the symptoms include,
Lower back and leg pain
Radiating pain down the legs and feet
Painful leg cramps
Leg numbness or tingling
Sitting relieves or eases the pain or symptoms caused by standing.
Diagnosis
Like other spine problems stated above, your healthcare provider performs an X-ray, MRI or ultrasound to detect the cyst. However, MRI will produce an accurate result.
Treatment Procedures
Non-surgical: Synovial cysts can be treated nonsurgically in the following ways:
Medication for pain: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are mild over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
Observation: You may be advised to leave the cyst alone if it is not causing any problems. Cysts may not grow large enough to cause symptoms, and it is possible to revisit treatment options if it occurs.
Activity Modification: A doctor can help you modify your activities and movements if you experience symptoms only with specific actions, such as exercising or your job.
Injections: Synovial cyst treatment in Hebbal, Bangalore involves two types of injections. Injections of the facet joint can drain cyst fluid, and a steroid is injected after removing the liquid to reduce swelling and inflammation.
An epidural steroid injection can also be used to treat a synovial cyst.
Surgical Procedures: Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst if these nonsurgical treatments fail. Even though the surgery isn't complicated, you'll need time to recover afterwards. With new surgical techniques, your doctor can make a smaller incision when removing the cyst. As a result, recovery time and pain are reduced.
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