Tarlov Cyst A Game Changer

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Pain and limited activity were my first symptoms. These things drove me to seek a diagnosis. MRIs confirmed that I had about six or seven tarlov cysts in my sacral spine. One of these is 7 cm and lies transverse in my abdomen. The pain has increased over the years and so have the neurological symptoms. Numbness, tingling, pins and needles sensation, and weakness in my feet and ankles have all become part of my life. I've had numerous falls due to foot and ankle weakness. I have not had tarlov cyst surgery and have no plans to for several different reasons. What I've found is that a diagnosis of tarlov cysts is a life game changer and should prompt lifestyle changes to help minimize symptoms. For me, those changes include no (or minimal) bending, lifting, twisting and anything that increases intracranial pressure, which results in a ballooning out of the cysts and increases pain. I try to keep my weight in the normal range, limit worthless foods, rest more, and try to life a healthy lifestyle. I have also learned that stress worsens symptoms, so I try to keep my stress levels down.