Spinal Cysts - Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

What Are Spinal Cysts?

Spinal cysts are just like any other type of cyst, except they're found in your spine. They usually form in the space between two of your vertebrae, but they can also form in the fluid-filled tissue capsule around one of your spinal discs.

Cysts aren't typically something to worry about; however, they do need to be monitored to make sure they don't cause more problems.

If you think that you've got a spinal cyst or if there is any other medical condition that may be causing pain or discomfort in your back, neck, or shoulders then it's important to get it checked out by a doctor who specializes in these types of conditions.

What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Cysts?

You can have a spinal cyst without experiencing any symptoms or with just mild neck pain. Some people with spinal cysts may experience pain in the neck, arms, or shoulders. They may experience numbness in these areas as well. They may also experience tingling, weakness, or lack of coordination.

In many cases, people with spinal cysts don't have any symptoms at all. In other cases, the symptoms may progress over time and eventually cause problems with walking or other activities.

The reason why these individuals usually don't experience pain early on is that the cysts are filled with fluid that cushions your vertebrae from irritation and pressure. This means that if you have a spinal cyst you do not need to worry about it causing serious back pain.

Spinal cysts can occur anywhere in the spine but they are most commonly found in your neck and lower back.

Treatment of Spinal Cysts

The treatment for spinal cysts depends on your symptoms.

If you have a small cyst in your spine that isn't causing any problems, then no further treatment may be required.

However, if it is causing pain or other symptoms then treatment options will be discussed with you by your doctor.

Surgical Treatment of Spinal Cysts

Surgery is not typically necessary to remove spinal cysts; however, it may be necessary if the cyst causes problems with walking or other movements. If surgery is required, then the cyst will usually be removed through an incision in your back that has been made just below where the pain is originating.

Prevention of Spinal Cysts

Spinal cysts are not something to worry about. If you have a spinal cyst or two, then there is nothing you need to do to prevent them from forming in the future.

The only thing that needs to be done is to keep in mind that if there is any damage in your spine, then the faster you treat it and get it repaired in a doctor's office, the less pain and discomfort you will experience.

Spinal Cysts vs Spondylosis: Why Are They Different?

Spondylosis is similar to spinal cysts because they are both types of disc-formated entities that are believed to arise from pressure on the discs.

However, they are different because spondylosis can develop when the discs become degenerated and calcified in patients who are older than 50. Spinal cysts on the other hand usually develop in younger individuals and they can form when there is not any disc degeneration involved during their formation.

Types of Spinal Cysts

The most common spinal cysts that you're going to hear about and read about online and in textbooks are:

·         Schmorl's Cyst: These cysts develop in your vertebral discs and that's what makes them so dangerous.

·         Epidural Cyst: These cysts don't generally spread throughout the spine since they are contained within the arachnoid membrane.

·         Pyocele: The cysts develop near the spinal cord and are usually filled with cerebrospinal fluid, but they can also be filled with blood.

Frequently Asked Questions  on Spinal Cysts

Who Gets Spinal Cysts?

There are specific factors that can increase your risk of developing a spinal cyst. If you have any of the following conditions then you may be at increased risk for developing one if you've got an accident or trauma to your back or neck:

·         Disc degeneration

·         A history of spinal injuries

·         Spondylolisthesis

·         Scheuermann's disease

·         Osteoporosis.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Spinal Cyst?

Spinal Cysts symptoms can include:

·         Neck pain

·         Pain in the arms, shoulders, or chest;

·         Numbness in the arms, hands, or legs

·         Weakness in the arms, hands, legs.