Ganglion and synovial cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs found in the spine. Small cysts may not cause problems, but large cysts may cause back or leg pain as fluid builds up and presses on spinal nerves. Spinal ganglion and synovial cysts can form outside the spinal canal or inside the spinal canal itself.
Cysts that form in the small joints of the spine, called facet or synovial cysts, can press against the spinal canal or directly on the nerve roots. This can result in spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal) or radiculopathy (pinched nerve root).
Accessing the specialists needed for spine care can be complicated. The UK HealthCare Comprehensive Spine Center makes it simple by bringing together a team of all the specialists you may need. Within one program, you have access to all our specialties:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Interventional pain medicine
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Physical and occupational therapy
Symptoms of ganglion and synovial cysts vary depending on the size of the cyst and where it’s located in the spine. Symptoms may include:
- Back or leg pain
- Decreased mobility
- Neurogenic claudication: Pain or weakness related to the compression of spinal nerves
- Numbness
- Sciatica: Leg pain that radiates down the buttocks and leg
- Weakness
Large cysts can cause spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal caused by compression. As the spinal canal narrows, the spinal cord and spinal nerves don’t have as much space to shift around as you move. This can lead to numbness, tingling and weakness.
Less commonly, ganglion and synovial cysts can cause cauda equina syndrome. This condition occurs when the nerves and nerve roots at the base of the spine — called the cauda equina — are compressed. This can cause back pain and pain that radiates into the legs, along with numbness and weakness.
Spinal cysts are most often the result of spine degeneration due to wear and tear.
Understanding the anatomy of a joint can help explain how synovial cysts form. Some joints in the body contain soft tissue membranes known as the synovium. This tissue is designed to cushion the joint, where bones meet, and it also produces synovial fluid, which serves as a lubricant inside the joint.
As the facet joints in the spine begin to wear down, the synovium inside them goes into overdrive. Excess synovial fluid is produced to protect the joint. This fluid can build up inside the synovium, creating a cyst.
Certain factors can increase the risk of spinal cysts, including:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disk disease
- Repetitive bending and extending of the back
- Spinal instability
- Trauma
While ganglion and synovial cysts can affect anyone, they are most common in mid-adulthood and among older adults.
Your journey to better spine health begins at home. Before you visit UK HealthCare for spine pain, we review your medical records. We may contact you with follow-up questions. We then discuss your case as a team. Based on these conversations, we determine which specialists will best meet your needs.
Next, we schedule your appointment. To provide you with the best care possible, you may need to meet with multiple providers. This helps us meet all your care needs in a timely manner.
During your first visit, we answer questions and provide information to help you better understand your condition. We also work to find out what is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
In most cases, we start with non-surgical treatment, such as lifestyle changes and physical therapy. Spine issues that don’t improve with this approach may require other treatment, including pain management and surgical intervention.
When coming to your first appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early gives you time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve had, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you stay relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink as directed. You may need to have imaging or other tests during your first visit. If you need to adjust your eating, drinking or medicines before a test, a team member will call to explain what you need to do leading up to your visit.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Bring a family member or friend with you. This person can help take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.