"A synovial cyst? What's that?" is the usual response when an MRI report discusses its presence in your spine.
Definition
a synovial fluid-filled cyst that appears in the spine where facet joints degenerate. Synovial fluid is the lubricating fluid found in spinal joints.
Description
Though relatively uncommon in causing spinal stenosis, the synovial cyst may cause pain, particularly in the over 65 year old patient. Synovial cysts are commonly found at the L4-5 facet joint area, causing pain into the low back, buttock, and maybe even leg. The cyst affects the spinal canal much like a disc herniation might, causing stenosis of the canal and pressure on the nerve roots.
Typical medical treatment has been surgical removal. However, Cox Technic protocols that incorporate the use of positive galvanic current into the cyst to drive out inflammation and sedate nerves along with Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression of the facet joints to open the canal space, drop intradiscal pressures and increase disc height offers relief non-invasively. Several case reports have been published on the protocols and outcomes using flexion-distraction.
Video description of synovial cyst
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.
Lumbar Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Vancouver Disc Centers uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need. Depending on the severity of your pain and symptoms, gentler Protocol I may be applied until 50% relief of pain or more restoring Protocol II may be applied to guide your recovery.
Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Lumbar Spine
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0% to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain and pain that extends below the knee
Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that doesn't extend below the knee
In office adjunctive care may hasten your recovery.
Clinical Case Reports
Contact Vancouver Disc Centers about non-surgical care of your synovial cyst.