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Chronic back pain in 81yo woman with Tarlov cysts and mod degenerative disc dise

by Rowland, Oct 30, 2006 12:00AM
My mom has chronic pain. She has a dx of fibromyalgia. Reviewing an MRI of the Lumbar Spine in 8/18/05, I note: "tarlov cysts observed arising from the axillary sleeve on the left from L5 and large Tarlov cysts observed involving the axillary sleeves at S1, left larger than right." She complains on ongoing unrelieved (some with Vicodin)pain in her back. She does have moderate degenerative changes and a couple questionable compression fxs noted on 8/18/05. She does not have radiating pain down her legs but describes aching pain in her thighs and some radiation into her perineal/crouch area. When pain is bad, she takes meds and lies down.

Could the Tarlov cysts be a factor in her severe pain? Who would be best to evaluate her back and leg pain? IS THERE A SPECIALIST IN THE DENVER, COLORADO AREA YOU COULD RECOMMEND?

My mom has just moved to Denver from Omaha, Nebraska so she is trying to select a good internist who can assess her complaints, order tests and identify the cause of her symptoms. She has pain meds and is taking these but her pain limits her activity and affects her mental state.

Thank you for any assistance/guidance you can give me.  Diana
Member Comments (1)

by Demiguise, Oct 30, 2006 12:00AM
Ouch for Mom! I have Tarlov cysts starting in my T-1 area.
That's the thoracic aprox. between shoulder blades. I had to
adjust posture/lifestyle/get ergonomic chair for computer/etc.
Not as old as Mom but found 5 yrs after Dx'd, a mri of lumbar
was done since I'd hurt sitting on a sofa moving around. I had
more cysts of varied sz @ L1 dwn to sacral. At her age, She
should consult w/ a neurologist or neuro-surgeon. Many Drs.
don't like narcotics for that age but I spoke to many like me +
older & When severe, I'll call for them. Ibuprofen won't help
if being compressed on nerves. Varies but my pain can shoot to
hip like bursitis/lower ache to lumbar/pain off/on to rt calf.
They can retuen w/ surgery so It's very individual w/ treatment.
Generally the sacral is asymptamtic w/ pain. The L1 area is the
trigger for me. I have a large 1 there. A wide icepak helps.
Also sleep/rest w/ a 7-10" back wedge reversed to throw legs
over takes pressure off & was my best investment. I did have/do
hm traction for upper T-1 area & it helps. Some chiro's claim
they can help but there's risk in this area. Try a google & make
sure you use quotes & +  "Tarlow Cysts"+ninds  read the 1st
hit. Lots of info. I'll get back if I think of who to contact
for referral. I can only think of The University of Colorado in
Boulder or Denver right now. Yrs ago I was researching & they
have a medical school division. The school tends to look more
at the big picture & up to date on techniques. Gd-luck.
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