When Tarlov cysts, fluid-filled sacs that form around the nerve roots at the base of the spine. Also known as perineural cysts, they’re not tumors, but they can still cause serious discomfort by pressing on nearby nerves. Most people with these cysts never know they have them—until the pressure starts causing pain, tingling, or even loss of bladder control. Unlike herniated discs or spinal stenosis, Tarlov cysts are often missed on routine scans because they’re small and sit in a tricky spot: the sacrum, where the spine meets the pelvis.
These cysts nerve root cysts, abnormal sacs that develop along the covering of spinal nerve roots usually form after trauma, like a fall or car accident, or from years of strain on the lower back. They’re more common in women, and they often show up alongside other spine conditions. The real problem isn’t the cyst itself—it’s what happens when it swells and starts squeezing the nerves that control sensation and movement in the legs, buttocks, or pelvic organs. That’s when you get radiating pain, sciatica-like symptoms, or even sexual dysfunction. Many patients spend years going from doctor to doctor, misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue, before someone finally spots the cyst on an MRI.
Diagnosis isn’t always easy. A regular X-ray won’t show it. You need an MRI with contrast to see the fluid clearly. And even then, doctors debate whether the cyst is the real cause of your pain or just a coincidence. Treatment? It depends. Some people do fine with physical therapy, pain management, or just watching and waiting. Others need drainage, steroid injections, or even surgery to remove or seal the cyst. But surgery carries risks—nerve damage, infection, or the cyst coming back. That’s why many providers try conservative options first.
What you’ll find below isn’t a one-size-fits-all guide. It’s a collection of real, practical insights from patients and providers who’ve dealt with this condition. You’ll see how medications like anti-inflammatories help manage symptoms, how certain exercises can reduce pressure on the sacrum, and what to ask your neurologist before agreeing to any procedure. There’s no magic fix, but there are proven ways to take back control—whether you’re just starting to wonder if your back pain is more than just strain, or you’ve been living with this for years and need clarity.
