Spinal cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or near the spine. They are most common in the sacral (tailbone) area. Spinal cysts are also called perineural cysts, sacral nerve root cysts or Tarlov cysts.
Many spinal cysts don't cause any symptoms; however, a spinal cyst may cause symptoms if it's large or located where it presses on nearby nerves.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cyst
- Chronic pain
- Lower back pain
- Trouble sitting or standing
- Leg weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Spinal cysts tend to get larger over time. If a cyst causes symptoms, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove it. OHSU Spine Center doctors are experts at treating spinal cysts and take a conservative approach to spine care, favoring minimally invasive treatments.
If you have been diagnosed with spinal or Tarlov cysts and would like more information about the OHSU Spine Center, please contact us at 503 418-9888.
You can also learn more about treatment options for spinal cysts, meet the team here at the OHSU Spine Center, or watch an informative video on minimally invasive spine surgery presented by OHSU’s Dr. Alex Ching.