Tarlov cyst: What is better to relieve pain ice or heat?

@juliemmm Hi Julie, I know you have been active in the other discussions on Tarlov Cysts such as this one:
– Tarlov Cyst on the spine: Any advice? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tarlov-cyst/

I'll mention other members from that discusison like @bogobarb @qball2019 @klnd53 @bluej @mfratt @rkbunn @peacenlove who also have experience with Tarlov cysts and perhaps may have some experience to share on if heat or cold helps or makes it worse. Hopefully, they'll see a notice and join in here.

@jenniferhunter I too am interested in anything related to helping with pain caused by Tarlov cyst in S2 region. What therapies are safe to do e.g. chiropractor, deep tissue, myofascial? Thanks so much!

I just last week went to a neurosurgeon and had this discussion with her about removing them. Trying to get a new mri since have them in my thoracic spine and sacral area. It’s been a long time coming and now I’m at that point. Don’t know yet what will transpire. Wish me luck. I will let you know how things go.

I had a Tarlov cyst removed in 2018 and the pain in my sacral spine disappeared as a result. My surgeon, Dr. Schrot, with Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento is doing a study on Tarlov Cysts and I recently completed a survey for him. Prior to my surgery it was his strong recommendation to have the cyst removed, and I am very happy that I went ahead with his recommendations.

@mfratt. Thanks so much for responding! Can you tell me how you came to know you had a Tarlov cyst and what types of symptoms you had?

@frances007. Can you share more about your Tarlov cyst journey? I have had terrible sciatica and interstitial cystitis since 2014 and just found out I had Tarlov cyst by a serendipitous set of circumstances. I am scared since just this year my toes and feet have started to sporadically go numb and be unable to sense the difference between hot and cold water.

I got an mri of my spine and they were found that way. I have pain in thoracic and s1-s2-L4-5. Don’t know if pain is coming from that but I did learn they can compress on the nerve.

I know a neurosurgeon has to drain the cyst and remove the sac. I don’t know if heat or cold helps it. They can burst. There are different types of cysts I know that. I’m just finding my way thru this.

I had surgery in 2018 to remove the Tarlov cyst and the surgery was a complete success. I had similar symptoms which you have described. My surgeon advised that it was best to remove the cyst because leaving it in place would lead to more problems in future. I was hospitalized for about 3 days and the surgery was a complete success. I would encourage you to find a good back surgeon who is familiar with these cysts and the removal of the same. I hope my experience will be as good as mine if you go ahead and have the cyst removed.

@frances007. Thanks so much!