I also was diagnosed with a Tarlov cyst at S2. My first MRI report said it was about 1.9 cm. In 2011. I had no idea what that was, and none of the doctors mentioned anything about it back then. Gradually I heard more, that it may be causing some of my low back pain. But most doctors say it’s an ‘incidental finding’, probably there since birth, things like that. I’m recovering from my second back fusion, it’s been six weeks today. I feel much better; the doctor removed hardware from the prior surgery at L4-5 and extended the fusion down L5-S1, also removing some facet joints and a disc, just cleaned up that area. It really feels better! But some pain to the lower left of this has reappeared, right where the TC is. I pray it doesn’t get worse, as that surgery has mixed results, because it’s a nerve, an aneurysm of the nerve, how do you fix that. I’ve heard only Dr. Feigenbaum in Texas and Dr. Schrot in California successfully perform this surgery, although there is one other doctor in PA I’ve heard about. I’ve read Johns Hopkins hospital has done research, looks promising. Please go online to the Tarlov Cyst website and read up on this rare condition. It’s real; although most people don’t have any symptoms, some of us do. It’s a very painful condition that no one has heard about, including most doctors, because they don’t teach it in medical school.
If you want to learn more, and talk to others with this condition, there’s a private Facebook group, do a search for it. It’s very comforting to talk with others. Some have had the surgery, others don’t but want to connect.
I wish you all the best in your search for relief!
GA 29: Thank you for your update. It was helpful to me and I’m sure others. I wish you a speedy recovery and better health.