Synovial Cyst Of The Spine - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes synovial cyst of the spine.
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Synovial Spinal Cyst
Synovial cyst of the spine is an interesting topic. Basically, you need to recognize that it is a synovial cyst, and you need to recognize the treatment is probably removal by some sort of decompression and you may need fusion if there is instability. It occurs due to arthritis of the facets. It occurs mostly in patients 60 years or older. It usually affects the level of L4-L5. This is one of the most active levels. There will be bulging of the lining of the covering of the facet joint. The synovial cyst is a cyst or a fluid filled cavity. When the fluid escapes from the arthritic facet joint, because it is under pressure, it dilates the capsule of the facet joint and creates a cyst. The connection between the synovial cyst and the facet joint becomes obvious. The synovial cyst is walled off from the spinal canal. The synovial cyst causes pressure on the nerve root as it tries to exit the foramen. Compare both sides. The synovial cyst acts like a herniated disc. The patient will have low back pain, numbness, and radiation of the pain down the leg. The synovial cyst is best diagnosed by an MRI. The MRI can also diagnose the compression on the nerve root by the cyst. The synovial cyst is bright in T2 MRI because it is a fluid filled mass (it’s not like an intervertebral disc) and the cyst is contiguous with the hypertrophied facet joint, which also has a high signal intensity. The synovial cyst indicates a facet pathology. The patient will be initially treated conservatively. There is a high recurrence rate with nonsurgical treatment, and if there is no improvement, then you will need to do surgery. If the patient has radiculopathy alone, do decompression. If the patient has significant low back pain due to spinal instability, you will do decompression and fusion. To check for instability, look at the MRI or the x-rays. Get flexion/extension x-rays before you decide on surgical intervention. Basically, because you have the synovial cyst and when you go in and remove the cyst, you have hypertrophy of the facets and the ligamentum flavum, so you will do a hemilaminotomy and partial facetectomy with direct decompression of the neural elements. Do fusion if there is instability.

[@kevinm7934]

This video was the single most informative piece about synovial cysts that I have come across. Exceptionally well described and in a manner that was extremely easy to understand. Really, really great job Nabil Ebraheim.🎉

[@nabilebraheim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alannariva]

THANK YOU! I was recently diagnosed with a synovial cyst and this perfectly explains to me what's going on and what I saw on the MRI. I can now see my doctor tomorrow with a good understanding already and ask appropriate questions about my treatment options.

[@SOLOTUYA]

I have this aswell, just found out today. How are you doing now? What did you decide to do? ❤❤

[@stacyreynolds3097]

Thank you so much!! I am in so much pain from this cyst! You explained this so clearly!

[@ronglenys]

For the first time in decades, I am in no pain from my back. It is a gift from God and his servant, Dr. Lee my surgeon.

[@toogie6267]

Very easy to understand and to the point!

[@taylorcason4077]

Thank you so much! I have been suffering for years without proper diagnosis. I think this is my exact problem. Looking forward to living my best life soon!

[@johnmaynard3989]

Good Luck! The operation is short, but the recovery period is long and trying.

[@ronglenys]

What an informative video! I just had surgery with fusion at L4-5 and the cyst was not seen until the actual surgery. However, all turned out well and I am recuperating. Thanks!

[@lobstermania4025]

How do you feel now? Are you back to normal?

[@ccc4102]

Thank you. Straightforward and very helpful.

[@clarkelliott5389]

Thanks for all of these most informative videos! They are indeed helpful!

[@annallen8274]

Thank you for this detailed explanation of the cyst on the spine. Suffering from this right now. It was discovered on an MRI that was done this morning.

[@kathyfullarton8126]

I had a PLIF for this type of cyst and instability 19 months ago. Doing great!!!! Back to normal activities thanks to Lahey Hospital.

[@andreastar5208]

This was explained so clearly. Thank you.

[@alderoth01]

I've supposedly have "cysts" in my cervical spine, and I'm 42. I have degenerative disk disease, as well as arthritis of the Spine. I had 2 titanium rods put in my L5-S1. 2 days ago they found the cysts from an MRI with and without contrast, so I'm going to be seeing a surgeon soon from what I've been told. It's terrifying.

[@happylifekidsyoga]

How have you recovered since surgery? I'm in my late 40' s and have been dealing with this pain for 5 plus years.

[@alderoth01]

@@happylifekidsyoga recovery was tough, initially. While in the hospital I accidentally pulled out my wound vacuum which caused me to leak a whole lot more than I needed to 😆, but I have full range of motion now. Even with weight gain from mental health medication I can still reach down and touch my toes 😆. I do have some muscles that didn't get as strong as they needed to afterward, but that's because I didn't have PT regularly after my surgery. I was sent home and did PT myself essentially, so I do have a muscle on my left side that gets aggravated from time to time, but I usually just take a small break and it feels better. Doing lots of stretches helps as well, but i have 0 pain that I had before. I can feel hot and cold on my feet again, my hips don't hurt like they normally would when lying down, it's been a life savor for me. Mine turned out to be worse than originally thought as well. Initially they thought it would take only 1 rod and 2 screws, but once inside my back, they realized it was worse than the MRI showed, so I ended up with 2 rods, 4 screws, plus the fusion. It was exponentially worse than they originally thought. So, that can happen.

[@happylifekidsyoga]

Thank you so much for your response. May you continue to heal and be well.

[@MadDogClyde741]

Hi Doc ! I just would like to say thank you so much for making that very informative video. It was perfectly clear and very understandable, for me explaining my wife’s newly found cyst on her spine between L3 and L4. Now I feel like I have an idea of what’s going on and what is coming up down the road. Thank you again and God bless. Hey Doc, I just have to tell you I had such no choice but to subscribe to your channel also 👍🏻

[@daneladydriver603]

Thank very much. MRI indicates a synovial cyst and I have surgery scheduled in 2 weeks. I am hoping the recovery will be easy and I can return to work as an over the road truck driver....crossing my fingers.

[@Mishme83]

Best of luck for your surgery. I hope it goes well and wush u a speedy recovery 😊

[@daneladydriver603]

@@Mishme83 Thank you so much, it means a lot!

[@lenorardful]

@@daneladydriver603 how long is recovery time for surgery with non fusion?

[@soniaherrera7704]

how r u feeling

[@anikbiswas9854]

Are you feeling good?

[@redsnap3545]

I'm a PT with a pt I think has this. I just had him go to the local ER for evaluation. Waiting tio hear back.

[@samkitty5894]

I have a dropped right foot, numb toes on my right foot, right foot that is swollen during the day, and goes back to normal over night, "trick knee on my left leg", no knee jerk reflex in my left leg. Unable to lift my left leg while lying on my back. I can stand on my legs for only few short minutes before they turn numb and I crash. So I mostly sit all day, and my legs are tingling. I hate the feeling and the quality of life. MRI of the lumbar region says: L4-5: Concentric annular bulge and facet degeneration. There is mild central and caudal foraminal narrowing. I am not an expert but I think I see few Synovial cysts on L4 and L5. Maybe they are pressing on the nerves. I have been seeing many specialist and not one dares to diagnose me. Presumably afraid of law suit. So they just refer me to someone else...who is 6 -8 weeks out...etc. Very disappointing for a country that supposedly has the most advanced healthcare system in the world. I feel I've been living in some 3rd world crap hole.

[@Schmannie100]

How are you doing now? Any better?

[@samkitty5894]

@@Schmannie100 I'd say a little bit better. I've regained some mobility in my left leg, and my left knee is much stronger.

[@pumpkingirl4229]

Thank you very much you were indeed helpful.👍🏼😁

[@dagspicer6676]

Excellent presentation.

[@rosemaryduby5400]

Dr. Spoke very well and very helpful explanation. I was just diagnosed today. The 19 th going for a drainage. Then we will see. I have so much pain .

[@robinwiley7166]

Thank you for some clearification. I have multiple cysts and instable vertebrea. I was born with Ehlers-Danlos symdrome and my spine is very compimised. I have an epidural once a year in the lumbar and use Tylenol for out break pain. Rest and ice packs handle the rest.

[@catsara9114]

Thank you so much for this great explanation! I am 50 and just have had a removal of a huge lumbar synovial cyst, and a decompression. I am now in rehab, it takes a long time ...

[@nabilebraheim]

Best of luck!

[@catsara9114]

@@nabilebraheim thank you!

[@lobstermania4025]

​@@catsara9114how did it go? My surgery is soon and im terrified. But I'm in so much pain now I have no choice.

[@catsara9114]

@@lobstermania4025 Hi! Oh, I feel for you ...nerve pain is the worst! I am glad I had the surgery. Now, after almost 10 months, I still have some occaisonal pain (but not very bad) and weird sensations in my leg. My physical therapist says it is mostly from tension in my muscles. Working out, stretching and massages do help. I wish you the best of luck! Greetings from Germany 🙂

[@lobstermania4025]

@@catsara9114 thank you so much! Glad you are doing well. I can't wait to get my surgery over with.

[@demonica6887]

Very informative and easy to understand

[@sharkbait954]

This is not okay... “it mostly affects patients 60 or older”. I have one and I’m 14....

[@squasshblossom]

Omg same, lmao and im 20!

[@faaazzz]

Dude I am just 20.

[@lenorardful]

Exactly!!! I am 43 and have one now. Very painful.

[@madeinhisimage3447]

Lenora Davis so do I Lenora! Mine started when I was 22 and it would flare up and come and go over the years. The last few years I’ve been in chronic pain over it and now they tell me. I’m very upset because my Dr’s knew all along but they wanted me to do all these other work ups so now that I got the pat on the back for being a trooper they decided it was time to disclose what they already knew from back last year. Now I have to follow up again with another spike Dr and find out where to go from hete.

[@cheyennemurphy8338]

I just found out I have one I’m 22 I have been having back pain forever

[@theresabanghart9143]

Thank you so much for your clear and thorough explanation. I appreciate the diagrams as well.

[@terencebarrett2897]

Very good video "explanation nice clear and precise

[@itsnotyouitsme_]

Thank you for this information.

[@sherri3241]

I'm heading in this Friday for this surgery. I'm so scared!!! Unfortunately I live in a depressed area with few doctors that care. Mine I don't think does.

[@saintdunstanbethesda]

Thanks, this was very helpful.

[@catsara9114]

Wow, coming back here and seeing so many people suffering from synovial cyst and nerve root compression/severe pain. Most information I found on German websites said it was extremely rare. Well, maybe not lol. My cyst must have been quite old/growing very slowly, but the severe pain and numbness and cramping escaleted very quickly. I went from "It´s only some muscle pain" to "you need surgery on your spine/spinal canal" within weeks. 😅

[@chanelv5373]

Thank you Doctor this was very helpful to me. My MRI does show I have a complex synovial cyst L4-L5. I have had conservative treatment from an urgent care visit. Injection of steroid and ketrolac and prednisone, anti- inflammatory, and muscle relaxer. Pain continues went to ortho doc and she ordered the MRI. I see her in 2 days to find out what she is going to recommend. I have had this pain and difficulty ambulating for almost 5 weeks. I also have an issue with urinating, I am on a diuretic so usually I go frequently but since this pain started I have to remind myself to go and then it feels like I have to squeeze the urine out. Maybe 🤔 it’s unrelated because I haven’t heard anyone talk about this in any of the videos I have watched. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@laithhasm4380]

الله يجزيك خير و يكتب أجرك

[@helenrankin1449]

Can a synovial cyst at l2 burst of its own accord?

[@marykaybissing3385]

Excellent explanation

[@subhanshisarangi704]

Thank you so much, it was very informative.

[@tallurinareshkumar1378]

Nice information thank you

[@carmensm8]

Very professional and useful videos explanations. Are these Synovial cysts the same thing with Tarlov cysts? I'd very much like you to have a video about those Tarlov cysts with explanations and treatment. Can they compress the nerve if they are 2,2 cm in size? Thanks you very much for all your videos. Best wishes!

[@SOLOTUYA]

Hi, what did you do about your cyst after all?

[@Interdiction]

Would a cotizone injection be the correct treatment for this cycst

[@sunakothibudokaidoclubnepa9047]

Nice information

[@sc00b3rt]

mostly affects 60 years and older, yet here I am at 47 with this exact problem. My body is acting like its an old person.

[@samkitty5894]

Doc, you didn't say what the non-surgical treatment is.

[@movieguy992]

I was just diagnosed with a cyst but apparently it is in an area that should be affecting my right side but all my symptoms are on the left side. My doctor seemed totally perplexed by this and now I don't know how to feel.

[@joannenayeri6041]

What if the cynovial cyst burst on its own?

[@samkitty5894]

Consider yourself lucky.

[@ahmedsrssamir8192]

Useful vedio

[@PRODUCTSTESTED]

Assamalakium thank you this video was perfect

[@assokkumar2207]

Thanks for this. It's really helpful. Will it affect young age?? i am also facing a problem similar this. Because, of slipped on steps. In MRI shows similar kind of capsule size water bubble near to L4. And creating pain in right leg (feeling like veins pull upwards). Can you tell how to cure? not to go surgery. And is there any best exercise to break the liquid?

[@jordy1402]

Hey can someone help me I think I might have one I get bad pain in my lower back and it goes away when I lay flat and breathe it pops and feels crazy relief

[@alannolan2270]

Dear Doctor Ebraheim's , i am on a waiting list to have the synovial cyst removed but i am in terrible pain , iv been taking Pregabalin 100mg capsulies for relief of the pain which were prescribed by my doctor but they are not helping , could you please recommend something else . I dont know when i will be called for the operation since i am on the public waiting list . Yours Truly Alan

[@hebasalah1750]

Hi , If it happens in young age 30s what is your explanation?

[@paulasmith4933]

Can you comment/teach about cyst at C2/3?

[@MrCarstennielsen]

Can one squeese this away by heavy weighttraining maybe?

[@aihammahdi8698]

no

[@garrykyle6683]

can I ask does this cyst affecty mouth I've been getting unuasul feeling and taste also this video sounds spot on and the doctors have been saying for months waiting on a scan I feel as if I've got a massive balloon at bottom of my spine I can't take any more of the feeling /pressure of this lump/cyst I also been getting pinch feelings on my legs and bottom of my spine is really sore can you help if you think this is side affects thank you

[@engmahmoud295z]

دكتور انا عندي كيس تارلوف في الفقرة الثانية ومسببلي الام اسفلىالظهر والرجل الشمال

[@renzbato6274]

Is this type of cyst deadly?

[@o7.anupamasaha161]

Ofcrs

[@ohmeowzer1]

You are awesome

[@samkitty5894]

I had few Synovial cysts on my finger joins. I would just keep pressing them pushing the fluid out. Some would reappear...and I would do the same. Now they are all gone.

[@calladuty3186]

I'm 21 and I just found out 3 hours ago I have a small cyst on my left side between the lumbar spine and thoracic spine hour and a half MRIand I have syrinx of spinal cord

[@sirenmohamad9411]

I’m going throw the same thing at age 21 now but they recommend facet joint injection , what did you do in that case!

[@rad84duran88]

How did you find out? MRI

[@andresalonso637]

How you gonna treat it?

[@amyloya1859]

I have one and I’m 35

[@javaidmalik831]

Cervical spine exam

[@SamuelBlack84]

I really hope I won't have to have surgery. No way in hell am I risking paralysis

[@ohmeowzer1]

Can you feel them? Would you feel a lump? Are they painful?

[@o7.anupamasaha161]

Yes they are

[@marcieaaron1]

I feel a lump! Surgery soon without fusion I am so scared

[@inhibited44]

Sounds like using a teeter to relieve the stress on the back wouldn't matter in this case

[@o7.anupamasaha161]

I am 16 also have a cyst it's too much painful 😊

[@johnjack766]

Damn. Was there any warnings?

[@ciego5773]

​@@johnjack766 nope I been suffer that sh*t for 3 month Worst pain ever

[@josephlovasz440]

I apparently have 3 of them

[@johntorres7192]

how are doing now? removed them? 3 is wow

[@mdmamunhossain9491]

Amar kichu problem ace apnar number ta diben?

[@LegitkawasakiX]

Can being hit by baseball bat cause this

[@madeinhisimage3447]

Any kind of trauma can! Absolutely!