What is a Lumbar Facet Cyst?

[@supersonicmonkey8193]

Amazing video as usual. Top quality information. Feels like I'm watching a documentary on Discovery Channel about how our nervous system works. And it only gets more and more interesting with every episode. Deep gratitude for providing these kind of videos to the general public, you are touching so many lives, that's the truth! I can only hope that you keep this up, your teachings will stay online for decades and help thousands of people understand what they are going through! Keep up the amazing work!

[@oldandstillhere]

I love these videos. Your visual aids really help!

[@sonofthegun5178]

Awesome videos Brian. You are the best Dr on here. Your videos are very informative and tell all. I just had L4-L5-S1 decompression and I am still having problems with pain dow the back of my legs and severe pain in my hip joints. Surgeon said surgery was a total success but I'm in some serious pain still.

[@smritapoudel6381]

Dr! Very helpful for me watching your video , so much Thanks 🙏🇳🇵

[@Just_MHO_thomasina]

Thank you for easing some fears... the way you explain things is unmatched.. 😊😊🙏🏼

[@junepegram6004]

Thank you so much for the clear educational information. It happens to pertain my exact symptoms.

[@Kaye_0911]

These lumbar facet synovial cysts are the bane of my existence! 😩led to surgeries 2 & 3 of my L4-5 & now surgery number 4 at my L3-4. I have 2 cysts located at L3-4 causing pain down my rt sciatic, down the rt leg and into my foot. The pain is unbearable at this point 😔 I have done numerous rounds of injections, months of PT & Chiropractic care with no real pain relief. I’ve officially been diagnosed with ASD, so my surgeon will be going in to replace the disc & extending my fusion up one level from the L4-5 to L3-4 in a few weeks.

[@SultanOfThrones]

Hello! Do they prescribe you any medicines to cure it? May we be healed!🕊🤕

[@mimiwilson2097]

Good luck, I’m dealing with my first cyst, so debilitating, life just STOPS

[@Kaye_0911]

I’m so sorry, my friend I am just seeing this. I haven’t had any meds prescribed because of the nature of my cysts. Condition of my facet hounds and because I do have 2 prior fusions my surgeon generally will go in and remove them.

[@Kaye_0911]

Facet not

[@SultanOfThrones]

​@@Kaye_0911 hugs! May God bless you with good health!

[@dawncastro1697]

Your video is great! I am dealing with back pain and issues in L4 and on down. Having an MRI done in a few. I loved the diagram of what nerves and pain come off of the L4 and L5. That explained a lot about my pain! Thank you for the videos!

[@DawnSuCallahan]

Very information. As i am approaching a dexision to make. Have my 1st appointment with a spine deformity Dr.

[@doreenglenn5251]

Good information-Thank you

[@marklemont3735]

Thank you. Great explanation.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You are welcome!

[@terryschwaighofer6373]

Hello Doctor, I have spoken with you many times. I gave spondolothesis in L3 and L4. Degenerative disk L4 L5 and S1. I am currently taking shots in my back and so far it has been a game changer. However, I developed an uncontrollable itch between my shoulders. They thought I might have shingles and put me on Lyrica. Then sent for another MRI. The MRI showed calcium growths encroaching on my spine. T9 thru T12. They are now sending me to a Nurosurgeon. Can you please do an episode on what a Neurosurgeons options might be and explain what this encroachment really means? Thank you for helping us who need Laimens terms. Greatly admire you! Terry

[@ShellyShellvirgo]

Excellent video & the way you explain it. What are ways to help other than steroids, nerve oblation, etc. Would back surgery help with L4&L5 pain

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Yes. More to come

[@chesscornett6187]

Too bad I live in N KY, other wise I would visit u to analyze my xray and MRI of my L4/L5 problem. Have had 2 RF ablation procedures, little help. Anyway, ur videos are very informative and clear. Excellent work on ur part. Chess Cornett

[@TruthAlways59]

Talk about CT mylogram if you're able Brian,Dr. L5 fusion post operation 15 years, development of severe pain. A spinal stimulator is implanted with paddle between shoulder blades, leads not compatible with MRI.

[@yolandaowens4748]

What do you think about the stimulator

[@jeehihong9262]

Does Dr Su do ultrasonic surgery?

[@Michael-ts9yp]

Great video and well explained. I had a synovial cyst successfully removed in 2016. It was amazing how quickly my leg pain disappeared after the operation. I now have left leg pain and my MRI indicates L4 - L5 Spinal Stenosis. Could my synovial cyst issue be related to my current issue or are they totally unrelated?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

If there isn't a cyst recurrence then it's not likely they're related

[@wildflowersnhoney209]

This is what I have! The synovial cyst I have is pressing on the roots in the foramen on the left side. My back has NEVER hurt, but I have leg and butt pain thats terrible. A bilateral steroid injection has greatly diminished the pain the past 3.5 months, but the injection is wearing off.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You may want to consider a cyst rupture procedure. This will be published in the next two days

[@SultanOfThrones]

The same here. May we be cured.

[@dreamingofutopia]

I had a herniated disc (L4/L5) in High School. Discectomy first (failed) then replacement. I Herniated my L5/S1 around the time you posted this video. Discectomy last August. I've been having familiar pain for several weeks - had an MRI today. the Radiologist report is the following: "L5-S1: Posterior disc protrusion. Right Sided synovial cyst fills the right lateral recess with severe right lateral recess stenosis affecting the transiting right S1 nerve root." I'm kinda crying.. I'm 33 years old. do I have a cyst AND a herniated disc? how does that get fixed? thanks. your visuals really helped.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

You can fix both of them independently or at the same time

[@MichaelHart-tz7wf]

What do you think of tops instead of fusion? Also, what about ultrasonic removal instead of laminotomy?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Using the ultrasound is simply a tool. The outcomes are no different regardless of which tool you use. TOPS is an interesting concept but I do not believe there is enough data yet for me to recommend it

[@webnet15]

I want to thank you for taking the time to explain the details of your video which was really easy to understand. HUGE thumbs skywards 👍👍 like 361 8/28/24 Mark

[@charfoto]

Do many people get the moveable lump felt under the skin with synovial cysts?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

No you cannot feel it under the skin typically

[@kymtudge888]

I have syst in 4 4-5 do I need surgery?

[@chm124]

Are synovial cysts the same as tarlov cysts?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

No. They are not

[@tacotuesday000]

If intense lower back pain is the only symptom do you still recommend a fusion?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

That's a complicated decision you can make a virtual appointment with me by calling California orthopedics and spine

[@trudygoforth7491]

My MRI shows tarlov cysts. I don’t know what this means. My doctor just says cysts. Could you explain this please. Thank you.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

They are in general benign cysts that occur in the back of the sacrum

[@certifiedrhodess356]

Hey doc I have a question so I’m have lumbar l5/s1 artificial disc replacement on may 16th I’m wondering is there a brace you would recommend

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Exos corset soft

[@certifiedrhodess356]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you!

[@richardprice9730]

Incident March 2022 am 63 am active despite cycling accidents in 2019 was once an Asthanga practitioner am still waiting for scan ,assessment suddenly one night after sitting in a rather wonky chair for months March 2022 and heavy pack lifting the previous year 2021,I developed excrutiating lower back pain on going to bed ,so bad in fact I had to call emergency ,then burning sensation in the left groin area ,then protruding lower left stomach , this carried on for a week or two , the pain subsided after a week or so but have still numbness in left groin area and some protrusion although symptoms have gotten a little better ,am still concerned .Any ideas would appreciate suggestions ,have been referred for a scan which type of diagnostic would be most appropriate and what might they look for ? Treatment in the mean time am back doing yoga ,running etc . Many thanks Richard UK resident

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

They will be looking for a pinched nerve.

[@richardprice9730]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Thankyou Einstein I kinda gathered that. Then I suppose what is the primary cause, I am a great proponent of the most benign and biosyntotic or even regenerative approaches ,but have no funds for stem cell etc am not keen on surgery but it depends on what they find I guess ,refferals are taking months with current state of NHS. Thankyou anyway any other suggestions welcome 😊

[@GettingByWithAman]

does 5 mm cyst require surgical intervention

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

It depends if it's causing symptoms. The size of it doesn't necessarily necessitate removal. As a disclaimer please consult your surgeon

[@GettingByWithAman]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you so much for replying. Im 30 y/o, had a discectomy at L5 S1 about 10 yrs ago. About 3 months ago started having severe back pain and sciatica. MRI shows 5mm synovial cyst at L5 S1 and a new disk bulge at L4L5. Surgeon(same from previous surgery) is sending for cortisone injection at L5S1. He is saying if that doesn't work/relieve the sciatic pain then next option would be discectomy at L4L5. Should I consider getting a 2nd opinion ? PT and Oral steroids pack has not worked so far.

[@SultanOfThrones]

​@GettingByWithAman I have 30mm vertical and 9mm horizontal cyst😂

[@cissyflorida1869]

I would love to see srinx of thorastic most of my thoracic area. Not due from outpouch of the brain sinovial fluid in the upper. Then C 3-4 C4-5 narrowing to 8mm with other issues. Then Most significant, L 4-5 L5-6 out touching the nerve into the thecal sac. Also retrolathesis and the other lathesis. 2 nuro surgeons said even if we could drain the syringomyelia, 70% failure with or without surgery. Your whole spine would need to be caged if it wouldn't crumble and fall apart. Guess I am doomed. Sad 😢 oh that's on MRI of cervical thorastic and lumbar. What's the worst case scenario?"Like I don't know" 🙏 death paralyzed. Yes, I already have sciatica, memory problems, joints feel like bone on bone. I get stuck and can't move. I was so active before. I really wish you were near me. Oh also scoliosis and a mass, most likely fatty tumor on right hip. I fell straight down on my coccyx ten eleven years ago now. Death doesn't scare me just wondering what can I do to finish my bucket list 😁❤️

[@cissyflorida1869]

Love love learning from you. I was a cardiac nurse. I really wish I could have continued working. You are the best!! You are a phenomenal teacher,surgeon and I am sure much more!!❤️

[@ahwell9984]

I'm puzzled about why this joint's name would be pronounced "fuh SET" when it seems to mean the same as the ordinary word "FAH set," for a surface or aspect of something. Is it like the OB tradition of pronouncing centimeter as "SAHN tih mee ter," just a professional convention? Or is it a different "facet," for example, an anatomist's name? Thanks.

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

No it's the same.

[@ahwell9984]

So then the accent is on the first syllable, I see. Thanks, as always. Like everyone here, I find your videos so very clear and comprehensive; thank you for providing them.. Why other clinicians (including my Ortho doctors over the decades) are unable to better communicate these understandable concepts is beyond ne. I wonder if they're just too frazzled by work or are trying to maintain the mystery or something!😂

[@lisamar707]

Are these the same as root sleeve cyst?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Nope.

[@lisamar707]

@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Can I send you the results of my MRI so you can take a look at it and give me feedback? It would be greatly appreciated!

[@clevercardoso-uy5vp]

Hi Doctor, I had an extrusion on l5-s1 2 years and a half ago and had a microdiscectomy then. I didn't have any pain after the surgery until 2 weeks ago when I felt my disc exploding again. I had severe back pain for 2 days and then the pain was gone. Now I have mild sciatica. I'm waiting for a MRI, but I'm sure my disc collapsed. I'm following the same procedures that I had to after surgery (no weight lifting, no bending, no twisting). I'm trying to be extra careful. My question is: can a re-herniated disc heal without surgery?

[@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy]

Yes it can definitely heal without surgery. Basically you're back to step One of the treatment process but it can get better without surgery

[@jodysantoni6985]

​@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy please please help me!! I have a synovial cyst L5 S1 facet, going to try yet another Nerve block injection before surgery and getting flexion Xrays to check for instability. I'm on painkillers everything you can imagine tons of physio, needling, chiro.. nothing.. I'm so depressed and unable to continue with this pain its awful!! I want surgery. Any advice? Thank you so much for all your videos I wish I could have you!