I insist! My pelvic pain is my Tarlov cyst!!

In Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy by Elizabeth Akincilar16 Comments

By Elizabeth Akincilar-Rummer

 

For the average person, the words Tarlov cyst mean absolutely nothing. For the average medical professional, they mean little to nothing. So why are we devoting an entire blog post to these cysts that no one seems to care about? Full disclosure, personally, I was curious what the literature had to offer on Tarlov cysts since recently, I’ve had several patients that have been diagnosed with them and I didn’t have much education to offer. Furthermore, these patients have had a very difficult time getting straight answers on whether to treat them or not, and if so, how to treat them. I wanted to see why most medical providers considered Tarlov cysts an insignificant finding and why so few medical providers were willing to discuss possible treatments options for Tarlov cysts.

 

Well, I think I found out why. There is a giant hole in the literature about Tarlov cysts. For something that was first discovered over 75 years ago, there is very little research about Tarlov cysts. Even more disappointing, the research that does exist, does not offer very encouraging treatment options.

 

Tarlov cysts, aka perineural cysts, were first identified in 1938 by Isadore Max Tarlov, MD. They are unique cysts of the nerve root sleeve that abnormally collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the perineurium and endoneurium. Basically, the fluid in our spinal cord (CSF) builds up in and around a nerve root creating a ball of fluid, or cyst. They can vary in size from 5 mm to >10 cm and can be found anywhere along the spine where there are nerve roots, but they are most prevalent and largest in the sacral region, or at the base of the spine.

 

The incidence in the adult population is reported to be 4.6%-9%, with a female to male ratio of 1.78.1 Why they occur is still unknown, yet there are several hypotheses, including ischemic degeneration, inflammation or hemorrhage, congenital occurrence, trauma, and genetic inheritance. They are found more frequently in patients with underlying connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan syndrome.

 

Symptoms associated with Tarlov cysts include sciatic or sacral radiculopathy (pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the lower extremities), sacrococcygeal and perineal pain, pain with intercourse, abdominal pain, headaches, lower extremity and saddle sensory or motor deficits, urinary or anal sphincter dysfunction and occasional sexual impotence. The symptoms are often exacerbated by sitting, walking, transitioning from laying down to standing, and Valsalva maneuvers such as sneezing or straining to defecate.

 

One study looked at 157 patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts that showed 95% also had lumbar and/or sacral disc herniation, mild depression, and an average VAS (visual analog scale of pain) of 4.7/10.4

 

They are most commonly identified upon lumbosacral MRI but can also be seen on CT myelography. A CT myelography is an x-ray of the spinal canal that images an area that has been injected with a contrast agent. Most Tarlov cysts are discovered as an incidental finding when looking for something else in the area. It is fairly uncommon that imaging of the lumbosacral region is done for the sole purpose of identifying Tarlov cysts.

 

Asymptomatic Tarlov cysts do not require treatment and most are asymptomatic. In fact, studies show that less than 1% of perineural cysts are indeed symptomatic.1 For those that are symptomatic, optimal treatment is yet to be determined. In general, surgical intervention is not recommended. Conservative therapies are often recommended as a first line treatment. This includes physical therapy and analgesic steroid or nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medication. Other nonoperative treatments include lumbar CSF drainage and CT guided cyst aspiration followed by injection of fibrin glue. However, both of these interventions do not prevent recurrence. In fact, aspiration alone has a very high recurrence rate, reported to be within weeks or days after aspiration. Additionally, fibrin glue has been shown to be associated with aseptic meningitis. Therefore, neither of these treatment options are really viable.

 

Unfortunately, surgical treatment options don’t reveal much more promising outcomes. Neurosurgical treatments include simple decompressive laminectomy, cyst and/or nerve root excision, and microsurgical cyst fenestration (draining and shunting of the cyst) and imbrication (closing of the wound). The reported rates of symptomatic improvement after various surgical interventions range from 38%-100%. However, these studies included few patients which makes it very difficult to determine which surgical techniques are best.

 

The suggested criteria to even consider a surgical intervention for Tarlov cysts include a cyst diagnosed by imaging, symptoms consistent with a cyst including radicular pain and lumbosacral pain, cyst diameter >1-1.5 cm, unendurable pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and no contraindications for surgery.2 Positive surgical results are predicted by younger patient age, fewer cysts, and shorter symptoms duration at the time of presentation. Unfortunately, surgical complications are numerous. They include perineal sensory loss, incontinence, CSF leak, increased pain, infection, and intracranial hypotension. One study compared the results of surgical and conservative treatments for Tarlov cysts and didn’t find any significant difference in an improvement of symptoms. They recommended surgery only for patients with a short history and neurological deficit.3

 

With regards to pelvic pain specifically, there is virtually nothing in the literature. There are two studies that discuss specific pelvic pain conditions and Tarlov cysts. The first study looked at 18 women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD). They examined MRIs of their lumbosacral region and found Tarlov cysts in 12 of the women. These findings suggest that Tarlov cysts should at least be considered as a possible contributor to PGAD.5 The other study was a case series in which they looked at two patients that had interstitial cystitis symptoms and Tarlov cysts. These two patients reported nearly 100% pain relief with caudal epidural steroid injections.6 However, one would never draw any conclusions from a two patient case series and, as seen in other studies, steroid injections have been shown to have a very temporary, if any, positive effect on the symptoms of Tarlov cysts.

 

Where does this leave us? What is someone to do if diagnosed with a Tarlov cyst? I would highly recommend NOT scouring the internet and looking to Dr. Google for answers. There is A LOT of questionable information online about how to treat Tarlov cysts most effectively. The Tarlov Cyst Foundation is a good place to start educating yourself about Tarlov cysts. This organization was started by a woman who was diagnosed with Tarlov cysts. It is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation dedicated to the research, improved diagnosis and development of successful treatments and outcomes for symptomatic Tarlov cysts. It is the only organization in the world that solely focuses on Tarlov cysts.

 

As far as treatment goes, as the literature suggests, starting with conservative treatment is preferable. That typically means physical therapy. Although physical therapy is not going to eradicate or change the cyst itself, it can lessen some of the symptoms caused by a Tarlov cyst. As we learned above, Tarlov cysts can become symptomatic if they compress a nerve root. Pelvic floor physical therapy can lessen muscle tension and increase tissue mobility in the muscle and tissue superficial to the cyst that will increase blood flow and decrease compression on the nerve being compressed which could decrease pain. To do this, physical therapists utilize various manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint manipulation, and dry needling. For a more in depth description of pelvic floor physical therapy, check out our book, Pelvic Pain Explained. In addition to manual therapy, physical therapists can also make recommendations for exercise, behavior modifications, and/or assistive devices, such as seat cushions, that may lessen pain with sitting. In a previous blog post, Our Fave Products for the Pelvic Floor Rehab Toolkit, we include a list of our favorite cushions and where to find them.
I can’t say that my curiosity about Tarlov cysts have completely been satisfied, but I now have a better understanding to why there is little consensus regarding the treatment for Tarlov cysts. The medical community has yet to find an effective treatment strategy for these patients suffering from debilitating pain.   Even though symptomatic Tarlov cysts seem to affect a very small percentage of the population, they deserve the opportunity to reduce their pain and improve their quality of life with an effective treatment. I’m hopeful that research will continue and surgical techniques will improve that will improve outcomes for people suffering from symptomatic Tarlov cysts.

 

 

References:

 

  1. Singh et al: J Spinal cord Med, 2009
  2. Xeusheng Zheng et al. World Neurosurgery; 2016.
  3. Kuntz et al Eur Spine: 1999
  4. Marino et al: Neurol Sci: 2013
  5. Komisaruk BR: Journal of Sexual Medicine: 2012
  6. Freidenstein J et al: Pain Physician: 2012

Leave a Comment:


FAQ

What are pelvic floor muscles?

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that run from the coccyx to the pubic bone. They are part of the core, helping to support our entire body as well as providing support for the bowel, bladder and uterus. These muscles help us maintain bowel and bladder control and are involved in sexual pleasure and orgasm. The technical name of the pelvic floor muscles is the Levator Ani muscle group. The pudendal nerve, the levator ani nerve, and branches from the S2 – S4 nerve roots innervate the pelvic floor muscles. They are under voluntary and autonomic control, which is a unique feature only they possess compared to other muscle groups.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy. Currently, physical therapists need advanced post-graduate education to be able to help people with pelvic floor dysfunction because pelvic floor disorders are not yet being taught in standard physical therapy curricula. The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center provides extensive training for our staff because we recognize the limitations of physical therapy education in this unique area.

What happens at pelvic floor therapy?

During an evaluation for pelvic floor dysfunction the physical therapist will take a detailed history. Following the history the physical therapist will leave the room to allow the patient to change and drape themselves. The physical therapist will return to the room and using gloved hands will perform an external and internal manual assessment of the pelvic floor and girdle muscles. The physical therapist will once again leave the room and allow the patient to dress. Following the manual examination there may also be an examination of strength, motor control, and overall biomechanics and neuromuscular control. The physical therapist will then communicate the findings to the patient and together with their patient they establish an assessment, short term and long term goals and a treatment plan. Typically people with pelvic floor dysfunction are seen one time per week for one hour for varying amounts of time based on the severity and chronicity of the disease. A home exercise program will be established and the physical therapist will help coordinate other providers on the treatment team. Typically patients are seen for 3 months to a year.

What is pudendal neuralgia and how is it treated?

Pudendal Neuralgia is a clinical diagnosis that means pain in the sensory distribution of the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve is a mixed nerve that exits the S2 – S4 sacral nerve roots, we have a right and left pudendal nerve and each side has three main trunks: the dorsal branch, the perineal branch, and the inferior rectal branch. The branches supply sensation to the clitoris/penis, labia/scrotum, perineum, anus, the distal ⅓ of the urethra and rectum, and the vulva and vestibule. The nerve branches also control the pelvic floor muscles. The pudendal nerve follows a tortuous path through the pelvic floor and girdle, leaving it vulnerable to compression and tension injuries at various points along its path.

Pudendal Neuralgia occurs when the nerve is unable to slide, glide and move normally and as a result, people experience pain in some or all of the above-mentioned areas. Pelvic floor physical therapy plays a crucial role in identifying the mechanical impairments that are affecting the nerve. The physical therapy treatment plan is designed to restore normal neural function. Patients with pudendal neuralgia require pelvic floor physical therapy and may also benefit from medical management that includes pharmaceuticals and procedures such as pudendal nerve blocks or botox injections.

What is interstitial cystitis and how is it treated?

Interstitial Cystitis is a clinical diagnosis characterized by irritative bladder symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and hesitancy in the absence of infection. Research has shown the majority of patients who meet the clinical definition have pelvic floor dysfunction and myalgia. Therefore, the American Urologic Association recommends pelvic floor physical therapy as first-line treatment for Interstitial Cystitis. Patients will benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy and may also benefit from pharmacologic management or medical procedures such as bladder instillations.

Who is the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Team?

The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center was founded by Elizabeth Akincilar and Stephanie Prendergast in 2006, they have been treating people with pelvic floor disorders since 2001. They were trained and mentored by a medical doctor and quickly became experts in treating pelvic floor disorders. They began creating courses and sharing their knowledge around the world. They expanded to 11 locations in the United States and developed a residency style training program for their employees with ongoing weekly mentoring. The physical therapists who work at PHRC have undergone more training than the majority of pelvic floor physical therapists and as a result offer efficient and high quality care.

How many years of experience do we have?

Stephanie and Liz have 24 years of experience and help each and every team member become an expert in the field through their training and mentoring program.

Why PHRC versus anyone else?

PHRC is unique because of the specific focus on pelvic floor disorders and the leadership at our company. We are constantly lecturing, teaching, and staying ahead of the curve with our connections to medical experts and emerging experts. As a result, we are able to efficiently and effectively help our patients restore their pelvic health.

Do we treat men for pelvic floor therapy?

The Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center is unique in that the Cofounders have always treated people of all genders and therefore have trained the team members and staff the same way. Many pelvic floor physical therapists focus solely on people with vulvas, this is not the case here.

Do I need pelvic floor therapy forever?

The majority of people with pelvic floor dysfunction will undergo pelvic floor physical therapy for a set amount of time based on their goals. Every 6 -8 weeks goals will be re-established based on the physical improvements and remaining physical impairments. Most patients will achieve their goals in 3 – 6 months. If there are complicating medical or untreated comorbidities some patients will be in therapy longer.

Comments

  1. I had a patient who is convinced her pain is tarlovs cyst. Funny you posted this, because this week she is flying to Texas to have the surgery done by one of the few surgeons in the US who does it,

    They did a sacral block as part of a diagnostic. She responded well so was considered a good candidate for surgery

    1. Author Liz Akincilar says:

      Hi Karen,

      Thank you for your comment. I am quite familiar with that MD in Texas. He does have a good reputation and seems very knowledgeable with regards to Tarlov’s cysts. That’s who I refer to when I have a patient with a Tarlov cyst. Hopefully she has a good outcome!

      Best,

      Liz

  2. I like to read more about it, I have had all kinds of therapy but nothing to cure my pelvic pain. Any information about it or who can do physical therapy in the San Diego CA area will be appreciated.

    1. Hi Elizabeth,

      We recommend Cindy Furey at Comprehensive Physical Therapy (858) 457-8419.

      Regards,
      Admin

  3. Thank you so much for bringing light to this horrible disease called Tarlov Cysts. I was recently diagnosed after 12 years of misdiagnosis, from endometriosis to leavator Ani syndrome with multiple surgeries with no benefit. I pray everyday that a cure will be found where myself and others suffering would have a chance at leading a pain free normal life. Please keep educating and spreading the word.

  4. This is hands down one of the best articles I’ve read regarding Tarlov cysts. I had surgery 3 months ago and have seen significant improvement in my pain and functionality. Thank you for taking an interest! We need more doctors and medical professionals to get educated on this life altering disease.

  5. I do not find the statistic on the percentage of TCs that cause pain to be credible, since the overwhelming majority is Doctors dismiss them an incidental. I did not even know I had one when the results ic my first MRI came back because my doctor didn’t tell me. I only found out when persistant pain drove mr back to a different doctor in another city 7 years later, and by that time there were more. A retrospective be study of MRIs from patients with chronic low back pain might be very revealing.

    1. Author Liz Akincilar says:

      Hi Sandi,

      Thank you for your comment. The statistic that I quoted came from a study that was published in a medical journal where they examined people with Tarlov cysts and documented their pain complaints. I agree with you, there is no doubt that more research needs to be done to either confirm or challenge that statistic.

      Best,

      Liz

  6. Tarlov cyst was seen through my MRI 2012. Because I experienced vibration from my feet to my upper leg although it’s not disturbing it occurs twice a week . Until such a time, it becomes not only vibration but compression from my feet the whole of my body. Up to my breast. That it is so painfully.pls help me.pls share with me to what will I do.my Neuro surgeon won’t perform surgery until when the time come that the pain is unbearable and I can’t walk. Do pls help me manage the pain.

    1. Author Liz Akincilar says:

      Hi Anna,

      I’m so sorry your in such terrible pain. I would suggest trying to work with a physical therapist to try to alleviate some of the pain. If you’re not working with a pain management physician already, I would also recommend consulting with one to try to find a combination of medications that may help to alleviate the pain. I hope you find some relief.

      Best,

      Liz

  7. Author Liz Akincilar says:

    Hi Amy,

    I’m sorry you’ve been struggling with pelvic pain for so long. I can understand your hesitation with the surgery. If you have not tried pelvic floor physical therapy, I would definitely give it a shot. It will not change the cysts, but it could alleviate some of your pain which could improve your overall quality of life. You can find a pelvic floor physical therapist in your area on these websites:
    http://www.womenshealthapta.org/pt-locator/
    https://hermanwallace.com/practitioner-directory
    I hope this helps.

    Best,

    Liz

  8. I have Tarlov Cysts pressing on sacral nerves. Before being diagnosed with the cysts, I had Levaror Ani Syndrome, which was successfully treated with Botox injections. Unfortunately, after the levator syndrome was resolved, I was diagnosed with Pudendal Neuralgia. I have been in physical therapy for a year now. The pudendal neuragia has calmed down somewhat, but I have frequent flares. I have discussed Tarlov Cysts surgery with a neurosurgeon. I haven’t made a decision about surgery, and I wonder if the cysts had anything to do with the pelvic issues. Please respond with any thoughts. Could the pelvic issues be related to the cysts?

    1. Author Liz Akincilar says:

      Hi Alice,

      If the cysts are indeed compressing sacral nerves, particularly S2-4, then yes, they could be impacting your pelvic floor musculature and pudendal nerve.

      I wish you the best.

      Liz

  9. Hi, I recently found your blog and THANK YOU for bringing to light a disease that is seriously dismissed by professionals. In reading your posts, I concur with most commenting – on all levels.

    My story, in a nutshell, doctors, neuro surgeons, physical therapists, psychotherapists, pain clinics and lots of drugs – all to no avail. Seven years of life altering pain. Seven years of not being able to do anything physical. Not being able to sit or stand. Seven years spent mostly in bed. I exist, but I have no quality of life. All physicians, regardless of their specialty, know what Tarlov cysts are, and I swear, they have all been taught the same thing for the past 75 years, cause they all have the exact same response when I tell them I have a symptomatic Tarlov, “Tarlov cysts are rare and are usually never symptomatic. We never do anything about them.”

    We need more doctors and medical professionals educated in this life altering disease!
    AND
    We need more active RESEARCH into a disease that is being ignored.

    I think more people who are affected with symptomatic Tarlov Cysts need to speak up and tell their their story. Enlighten the medical professionals who have dismissing Tarlovs and the people affected.

    1. Hi Denise,
      Have you found relief or a pelvic floor pt to help relieve some of the pain your are experiencing? More medical professionals and research would do wonders for this. The field is constantly growing and new information can be exponentially beneficial for those who are suffering- but it only helps when their doctors and medical are up-to-date on the correct information.

  10. I read these comments with great interest as I have recently found out at the beginning of this year (January 2021) that I have Tarlov Cysts in my sacrum at S3 level. They were incidentally discovered by an MRI I was having as I was having lower back problems. I had never heard of them before and no explanation was given as to what they were when I received a copy of the MRI report. I therefore rang and spoke to the physician who referred me for my MRI and she said that I was asymptomatic and need not worry about them unless I get any symptoms, like the pins and needles, bladder or bowel dysfunction. It all makes sense now why I have in the past had discomfort sitting and standing on occasions and why now I find that certain exercises can cause discomfort, around the ribs and lower back and sometimes in the buttock area. I am seeing a physiotherapist in the next 10 days, so I will bring this diagnosis to her attention and see if she can suggest anything for me. I do not know what may have caused these cysts, they may have been with me for a while and have suddenly made their presence known. I just want to be able to get back to exercising, yoga, long walks without having to take anti-inflammatories afterwards. I am so sorry for all of you that are experiencing such pain and hope you find relief soon.

Leave a Comment