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Neurology (Expert Forum)
cyst on lumbar spine
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cyst on lumbar spine
by ruth__0__0, Sep 05, 1998 12:00AM
Hello: Having experienced severe muscle cramping,pain and spasm in the upper rt thigh and a pins & needle sensation below the knee, I underwent an MRI which demonstrated not only bulging at L3-4 with mild lateral recess stenosis, L4-5 degenerative grade I spondylolithesis, canal stenosis due to slippage and associated disc bulge, but also an associated extradural lesion in the rt lateral recess and rt lateral foramen just above the disc interval level with clear mass effect upon the rt L4 and L5 nerve roots. The lesion was felt to be most consistent with a synovial cyst arising from the facet joint.
The pain is so severe that prolonged sitting, standing or lying produces excruciating pains and spasms. I'm a 49-yrs old female and underwent Chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, EMS, & had 3 different ELSI'S(one as "shotgun effect", one into the cyst itself and the third one into the facet joints) since April 1998, all to no avail. Obviously, I am getting increasingly more frustrated and would like to find a treatment for this condition, short of surgery, if possible. Could this synovial cyst? Could it be treated by a Laser? What would you consider to be the most conservative approach and what would you recommend? Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
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This is clearly very complex. You have undergone quite a bit of diagnostic and therapeutic attempts. I think the most appropriate next step is a second opinion. If it is practical, the neurosurgery and neurology departments here cooperate in a "Spine Center" where you can be evaluated.
My experience having referred patients there is that they are not too anxious to do surgery, but if that's what you need, they'll tell you. If there is a good solution short of surgery, they'll try that before. They are accustomed to complex cases.
If you are interested, call 800 223-2273 and ask for neurology appointments at extension 4-5559. Tell them you want to be evaluated in the Spine Center. They may refer you to another number, but at least they'll know what it is.
I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.
