spinal cysts

Injured my back in 1998.  Several MRIs have been done and they have shown bulging discs at C3-C5 and cysts at T7-T10. The two MRIs taken of the thoracic area were done eight months apart.  The first one showed a cyst between T7 and T8.  The second showed the same cyst (which did not increase in size) and additional cystic subtances at T8, T9, and T10. I have tried physical therapy, acupuncture, epideral injections, trigger point injections, and pain management all of which either did nothing for the problem or caused more pain.  One radiologist told me that it appears that the bone is starting to grow around the cyst. I see a chiropractor 2 times a week just to be able to maintain some degree of mobility.  The pain has increased to a point that is unbearable.  I have been given pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxers, all of which I am allergic to. The pain started out just under my right arm and has spread across my back and from my neck to my hips.  I have talked to two neurosurgeons and neither thinks that surgery is appropriate and that it would do more harm than good. Why is surgery not appropriate?  What else can be done? What would happen if the cysts burst?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. It's very important to know exactly where the cyst is (not just spinal level-need to know in relation to the spinal cord) and what it's made of. As this info was not provided and I have not personally examined you nor reviewed your films, I cannot say anything specific about the cysts or why the surgeons won't touch them. One thing I can tell you is that there are new treatments for certain kinds of spinal meningeal cysts out there besides surgery. Interventional radiologists have reported improvement of back pain with either percutaneous (through the skin with a needle using XRay guidance)to drain the cysts or glue therapy. This may or may not be pertinent to your case depending on where your cysts are. Consider going to a major academic center near you for a neurosurgical opinion about surgery versus appropriateness of interventional radiology for drainage, etc... GOod luck.

[drb2748]

There is a 1.5 x 2.0 x 1.0 cystic structure which is seen in the right neural foramen under the pedicle of T7 vertebral body. Prominent of the CSF/fluid structures is seen in the neural foramen bilaterally at T8-9 and at T9-T10 bilaterally and at T7-8 on the left as well.  I was told that cyst (T7)was filled with spinal fluid and assume that the others are also.

[TGIF]

I am a 58 yr old male, previously very active and healthy, and had an arachnoid cyst applying pressure on my spinal cord that was fenestrated and shunted 8 months ago.  My original symptoms came upon me very rapidly, practically overnight with numbness, tingling of both legs then very quickly loss of feeling of my feet and balance.  Four days later I was operated on and by that time I could not stand, let alone walk.  After surgery, went to rehab to learn how to stand and walk again.

Skip to today, I still have very unpleasant neurological sensations from my arms down.  I can walk, etc and look normal but do not feel normal with these sensations affecting my life 24/7.  Don't know if it will get better, my neurosurgeon doesn't know.  I have a visit scheduled with the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion and maybe some hope.

[rangerrena]

I have been diagnosed with meningeal cysts in my lumber S1 L5 I work in a factory where there is alot of bending, lifting, and of course concrete floors.  I was told that these are not work related and I want to know where they come from and how.  I am using a company doctor and need as much information on these as possible.  I had thought I pinched a nerve and would beable to work it out but then I got a numbness in my leg and my back feels like its on fire sometimes. I also get cramps in my legs if I sit too long. Can someone enlighten me?  Thank You

[Annie88697]

A related discussion, spinal cysts was started.

[dawn025]

A related discussion, spinal cord cyst at t9 t10 and bulging disk at t9 was started.