Resection of Synovial Cyst

Lower back pain is a common issue amongst people worldwide. In fact, it has been reported that 7.5 percent of the global population have experienced some form of lower back pain in their lives. Suffering from lower back pain can put a person’s life on pause, keeping them from doing the activities they love. While many cases of lower back pain can be cured through at-home care and rest, that is not always the case. In severe cases, the pain may persist or worsen over time. If your lower back pain has persisted for more than several weeks, you need to consult a back and spine specialist as soon as possible.

The back and spine specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic have extensive experience helping clients who are suffering from lower back pain. If your pain is severe, one potential cause could be synovial cysts in the lumbar spine. If this is the case, our back and spine doctors will likely recommend a resection of synovial cyst procedure. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we are proud to offer our clients minimally invasive surgical procedures such as resections of synovial cysts. We understand that the idea of having spine surgery can be overwhelming and frightening to our patients. That is why we take the time to educate patients on the benefits and advantages of a minimally invasive surgery.

What Is a Synovial Cyst?

A synovial cyst on the lumbar spine is a fluid-filled sac that develops as a result of the degeneration of the spine. These cysts typically occur in individuals over the age of 65. A synovial cyst is benign, meaning that they are non-cancerous. The fluid-filled sac creates pressure on the nerves that exit the spine and can cause pain.

This painful sensation often occurs as a result of the venous blood being unable to drain as a result of the synovial cyst. Some synovial cysts produce minor or no symptoms for extended periods of time. Some of the symptoms of synovial cysts to look for include:

• Lower back pain
• Leg pain in one or both legs that may radiate from the back down to the foot
• Minimal or no pain when seated
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness in one or both legs
• Foot drop
• A painful, cramping feeling in one or both legs

In rare cases, a synovial cyst may develop into cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious condition that requires the attention of a medical professional. Because this is a possibility, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important that you consult one of our back and spine specialists so that we are able to identify if resection of synovial cysts is the right treatment plan for you.