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Tarlov Cyst on the spine: Any advice?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jan 4 11:26pm | Replies (188)Comment receiving replies
Hi all,
I just received an MRI report of my cervical spine and it shows:
C4-C5: Mild disc bulge. There is no canal stenosis. There is uncovertebral joint hypertrophy with slight foraminal narrowing without nerve root compromise.
C5-C6: There is a disc bulge without canal stenosis or foraminal narrowing. A right perineural cyst is present.
C7-T1: Mild disc bulge. A left perineural cyst is present.
T1-T2: A prominent left perineural cyst is present. There is no canal stenosis or foraminal narrowing.
I have been having neck pain and what I describe as a hump at the apex of my neck/shoulders for just about 4 years. Did the whole physical therapy/chiro thing and it just kept getting worse.
Recently, about the last 3-6 months, the pain was spreading and numbness/tingling down my right shoulder and arm started anytime I’m laying down and sometimes even when I have to sit for long periods of time (at work).
I do also have lower back pain but with my neck pain being more severe, that’s where my doctor chose to start.
Obviously, it’s a holiday so I’m not sure when I’m going to hear from my doctor so I’ve been doing the one thing they tell you not to do.. read about it lol
So I’m here reading your stories and becoming familiar with what this all means so hopefully I can go into the next steps with a basic understanding of what I need to be doing, asking, and advocating for.
Thank you all for sharing!
Replies to "Hi all, I just received an MRI report of my cervical spine and it shows: C4-C5:..."
@makeitmakesense Hello and welcome to Connect. You've picked a good discussion to join to learn about relevant patient experience. The good news in your report is that there isn't canal stenosis, and the slight foraminal narrowing (where nerve roots exit between vertebrae) is not compromising the nerve. Have you had a whiplash? The reason I ask this, is because there could be other issues that are not spine related that can cause overlapping symptoms of numbness and tingling in the arm or shoulder, such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I have that, and basically it is a nerve compression between the collar bone and rib cage where nerves are traveling to the arms. There are some tight places there that may be compromised by scar tissue or overly tight muscle and fascia. My therapy for this is stretching the fascia which is called myofascial release. TOS is most often missed by doctors, so they may go down a different path. That was true in my case when I had carpal tunnel surgery than didn't help completely. Ultimately, I did end up with a collapsed disc, bones spurs and spinal cord compression which needed surgery. It is important to try to correctly identify all the possible sources that may be contributing to your pain. MFR (myofascial release) is not like traditional PT. It is more like doing a yoga stretch or massage that you hold some pressure and wait for tissue to release.
Here are a few links to information.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353988
Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
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Welcome! Thank you for sharing. My L3 superior end plate compression fracture brought me here. I am waiting on an MRI and like you, the holidays have slowed down scheduling.
It was interesting to see the information from your MRI, I know my results will help with the physical therapy in my future.
I hope you find support and valuable information here.