Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
The treatment of Tarlov cysts is highly individualized, focusing primarily on symptom management through conservative measures, with surgical intervention reserved for cases where neurological deficits are progressive or pain is refractory to non-invasive therapies. First-Line and Conservative Management Most clinicians begin by managing the pain associated with Tarlov cysts using a conservative approach. This often includes physical therapy to improve mobility and core strength, as well as pain management strategies.
30 people with Tarlov Cyst have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
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What are the best treatments for Tarlov Cyst?
Treatments for Tarlov Cyst: what real patients say works for them, alongside a medically reviewed overview citing sources like NIH GARD and Orphanet.
The treatment of Tarlov cysts is highly individualized, focusing primarily on symptom management through conservative measures, with surgical intervention reserved for cases where neurological deficits are progressive or pain is refractory to non-invasive therapies.
First-Line and Conservative Management
Most clinicians begin by managing the pain associated with Tarlov cysts using a conservative approach. This often includes physical therapy to improve mobility and core strength, as well as pain management strategies. Medications frequently prescribed include neuropathic pain agents such as gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce localized inflammation. Occupational therapy can also assist patients in modifying daily activities to avoid positions that exacerbate symptoms, particularly the difficulty in sitting for prolonged periods.
Surgical and Procedural Interventions
When conservative treatments fail, surgical options for Tarlov cysts may be considered by a neurosurgeon. These procedures are complex and carry risks, including the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Techniques include cyst aspiration (draining the fluid), which often provides only temporary relief, or more definitive surgical procedures like cyst wall resection, imbrication, or shunting to prevent the cyst from refilling. Because these cysts involve nerve roots, the decision to operate requires a careful risk-benefit analysis.
Multidisciplinary Care
Because Tarlov cysts impact the muscular, urinary, and neurological systems, a multidisciplinary team is essential. Your care team should ideally include a neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders, a pain management specialist, a physical therapist, and a neurologist. Treatment effectiveness varies significantly between patients; some individuals remain asymptomatic for life, while others experience chronic, debilitating pain that requires long-term, coordinated care.
Emerging Research
Research into Tarlov cysts remains an evolving field. Current clinical literature emphasizes the need for better diagnostic criteria to differentiate symptomatic cysts from incidental findings, as well as standardized protocols for surgical outcomes. Patients are encouraged to follow updates from major neurological research centers to stay informed about potential advancements.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs
- The Tarlov Cyst Foundation
Author: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Reviewed against authoritative medical sources (NIH GARD, Orphanet, OMIM)
Last updated: 2026-04-06
Sources cited: NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) · Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs · The Tarlov Cyst Foundation
Medical disclaimer:
This information does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making health decisions.
Source:
DiseaseMaps.org
There is still no consensus on the best treatment.
Some doctors treat the cyst by microsurgical fenestration of the Tarlov cysts.
Outcomes depend on how many cyst there are, age and time of symptoms (nerve damage already).
Reserach in Belgium: 50% of patients developed recurrent pain, despite a reduction in cyst size during surgery in 92% of the patients. They also should focus on the primary cause, i.e. the increased cerebrospinal pressure. If this pressure is not relieved, symptoms will come back.
Some doctors treat the cyst by microsurgical fenestration of the Tarlov cysts.
Outcomes depend on how many cyst there are, age and time of symptoms (nerve damage already).
Reserach in Belgium: 50% of patients developed recurrent pain, despite a reduction in cyst size during surgery in 92% of the patients. They also should focus on the primary cause, i.e. the increased cerebrospinal pressure. If this pressure is not relieved, symptoms will come back.
Posted Jul 23, 2021 by Stichting Overdruksyndroom NL
Tarlov cysts have been treated by procedures in which cerebrospinal fluid is drained from the cyst (aspiration)
Posted May 19, 2022 by AIMIS Spine
I have tried multiple treatments, but the best before surgery was a nerve block done in the sacral area. I don't suggest this necessarily as it can cause more cysts and other health problems, but it gave me relief for the month before surgery. It did become less and less effective however.
Surgery was the only thing that made a difference, and the effects were pretty immediate for the worst of my symptoms.
Surgery was the only thing that made a difference, and the effects were pretty immediate for the worst of my symptoms.
Posted Feb 26, 2017 by Amie 1250
I have opted not to have surgery because it is so risky and many people end up no better or even worse than prior to surgery. What works best for me is modification of my activities, ice, diet, reducing inflammation.
Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kelly 5450
Cyst draining and refilling
Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kate 720
My personal experience is handling the pain with medication so i am physically able to handle physical therapy with slow stretches and balanced lifting to keep the body aligned.
Posted Aug 13, 2017 by James 950
I'm currently taking a blend of Chinese herbs to replace the tramadol as that wasn't very helpful. I'm doing acupuncture therapy, massage therapy and physical therapy currently to ease the pain.
Posted Oct 5, 2017 by Val0920 700
Surgery was best for me and now pain management
Posted Oct 29, 2017 by Karen 2500
Pain Medicine
Nerve Medicine
Fibrin Glue
Surgery
Nerve Medicine
Fibrin Glue
Surgery
Posted Jan 20, 2018 by dhedge42 2500
Ct drainages are most common, i have had 3 done & the tarlov cyst has came back for the 4th time, my next option is surgery
Posted Jun 18, 2018 by MissLeanneM 1700
Most doctors throw drugs at you and require physical therapy. Physical therapy, personally made my symptoms worse, but water therapy kept me active. There are several surgeons who will attempt to ease the symptoms with several different methods. Each have their pros and cons. Nothing will be 100%. I just hoped for 50% with my surgery. Research all possibilities.
Posted Jun 18, 2018 by Ze 2520
Surgical procedures
Posted Jun 19, 2018 by Debbie Dronfield 2500
Surgery was my best option
Posted Jun 19, 2018 by Lynn 2500
surgery
Posted Jun 22, 2018 by Julie 1600
This is a highly debated subject. Surgery works for some and worsens others. Mainly pain management.
Posted Nov 30, 2018 by Connie 1740
The best treatment for a Tarlov cyst, is for a qualified neurosurgeon, specifically Dr. Frank Fiegenbaum of the Tarlov Cyst Institute in Dallas Texas, do his patented procedure. Where he mixes fatty tissue from your body with medical grade super glue, then goes in and injects that mixture into the sheath of the affected nerve, above the cyst, which seals off the sheath, and doesn't allow CSF to reach the area of the cyst. He then drains the cyst of the CSF that has filled/formed it, and wraps the excess tissue of the sheath, which has been created as a result of being stretched as the cyst has grown over time, around the nerve, and then wraps the area where the cyst was, basically in medical grade duck tape so that the cyst can't reform in the same place.
Posted Jan 25, 2019 by Roy DeWyatt Smith 700
There are options, but no cures. I chose surgery with one of the few doctors nation wide.
Posted Dec 9, 2019 by Ze 1500
Tarlov Cyst Disease is classified as a rare disease. The majority of people have the cysts and symptoms located in their lumbar spine, coccyx and pelvis. Only 3-6% have them in their cervical spine and are symptomatic. The only two neurosurgeons I know are Dr. Feigenbaum in Dallas, Texas and Dr. Schrot in Sacramento, California. Going on an AIP (Anti-Inflammatory Protocol) Diet helps, as long with Tumeric, Lidocaine patches and narcotics. There is no cure.
Posted Dec 9, 2019 by Jess Carhart 2500
Tratamiento para el Dolor
Ejercicio físico suave (tai chi, yoga suave)
Ejercicio físico suave (tai chi, yoga suave)
Posted Dec 29, 2019 by Ana José 200
Nerve pain treatment- Gabapentin
Pain - Oramorph
Pain - Oramorph
Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Michelle Tamplin 2500
Draining and wrapped
Posted Jul 22, 2021 by [email protected] 700
Лечението е единствено оперативно.
Консервативното лечение с медикаменти е само за облекчаване на част от симптомие.
Консервативното лечение с медикаменти е само за облекчаване на част от симптомие.
Posted Jul 23, 2021 by Моника 800
There is stil no consensus on the best treatment.
It all depends on how many cysts there are, age, and how long symptoms are there already (nerve damage).
Interventional therapies have been performed to relieve pain and symptoms of symptomatic Tarlov cysts, such as aspiration of the cyst followed by injection of fibrin glue. However, recurrence of symptoms occurs and intra procedural bleeding or nerve injury makes any subsequent surgery more difficult. Arachnoiditis can occur due to fibrin glue getting into the thecal sac. The fibrin bonding technique is falling out of favor both in the United States and abroad, with only a few centers with significant experience continuing its use. Strict patient selection is necessary because this technique cannot be injected into a non-valve-ventilated cyst or a wide-necked cyst.
In general, microsurgery would be the treatment of choice to treat nerve root compression. However, the surgery is delicate due to the high hydrostatic pressure, fragility of tissues, and the presence of the nerve root fibers in the cyst or cyst wall leading to high incidence of complications such as a dural leak or nerve damage. However, the quality of the evidence is poor due to methodological problems. In addition, with the underlying cause, the hydrostatic pressure is not resolved, allowing cysts to recur or new cysts to form.
Studies comparing medical, interventional and surgical treatments are scarce and questionable and have been derived from relatively small case series of small trial size. Postoperative complications were significant in the surgical group and included CSF leakage, transient sciatica, sexual dysfunction, wound infections and others (venous hemorrhage, transient intracranial hypotension, seroma, cerebral hemorrhage and prostatitis). Within the non-surgical group, among others, CSF leaks, transient sciatica and other complications were seen as aseptic meningitis, allergic reaction to the sealant. It is also unclear which possible indications predict a response to treatment. It was shown that advanced age, the number of perineural cysts observed preoperatively and the duration of symptoms gave a poor postoperative outcome. Nevertheless, treatment methods are recommended as the preferred method and it should be determined whether the benefits outweigh the risks of aggressive treatment, as it can lead to significant morbidity with a significant risk of recurrence of symptoms.
It is believed that when the cyst is "removed", the nerve compression will be relieved and the patient's problems should be resolved. In cases of large valved cysts, which are quite uncommon, microsurgical treatment may help, but will not resolve the underlying cause of the pressure. During follow-up of 36 symptomatic patients, 93% of patients showed improvement at some point, however 50% developed recurrent pain, despite cyst size reduction.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297663732_Electromyographic_Abnormalities_Associated_with_Symptomatic_Sacral_Tarlov_Cysts
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333025384_Symptomatic_Tarlov_cysts_are_often_overlooked_ten_reasons_why-a_narrative_review
“Growth of Lumbosacral Perineural (Tarlov) Cysts: A Natural History Analysis”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30535342/
Chapter 115 (Feigenbaum - Henderson - Voyadzis)
https://clinicalgate.com/tarlov-cysts/
It all depends on how many cysts there are, age, and how long symptoms are there already (nerve damage).
Interventional therapies have been performed to relieve pain and symptoms of symptomatic Tarlov cysts, such as aspiration of the cyst followed by injection of fibrin glue. However, recurrence of symptoms occurs and intra procedural bleeding or nerve injury makes any subsequent surgery more difficult. Arachnoiditis can occur due to fibrin glue getting into the thecal sac. The fibrin bonding technique is falling out of favor both in the United States and abroad, with only a few centers with significant experience continuing its use. Strict patient selection is necessary because this technique cannot be injected into a non-valve-ventilated cyst or a wide-necked cyst.
In general, microsurgery would be the treatment of choice to treat nerve root compression. However, the surgery is delicate due to the high hydrostatic pressure, fragility of tissues, and the presence of the nerve root fibers in the cyst or cyst wall leading to high incidence of complications such as a dural leak or nerve damage. However, the quality of the evidence is poor due to methodological problems. In addition, with the underlying cause, the hydrostatic pressure is not resolved, allowing cysts to recur or new cysts to form.
Studies comparing medical, interventional and surgical treatments are scarce and questionable and have been derived from relatively small case series of small trial size. Postoperative complications were significant in the surgical group and included CSF leakage, transient sciatica, sexual dysfunction, wound infections and others (venous hemorrhage, transient intracranial hypotension, seroma, cerebral hemorrhage and prostatitis). Within the non-surgical group, among others, CSF leaks, transient sciatica and other complications were seen as aseptic meningitis, allergic reaction to the sealant. It is also unclear which possible indications predict a response to treatment. It was shown that advanced age, the number of perineural cysts observed preoperatively and the duration of symptoms gave a poor postoperative outcome. Nevertheless, treatment methods are recommended as the preferred method and it should be determined whether the benefits outweigh the risks of aggressive treatment, as it can lead to significant morbidity with a significant risk of recurrence of symptoms.
It is believed that when the cyst is "removed", the nerve compression will be relieved and the patient's problems should be resolved. In cases of large valved cysts, which are quite uncommon, microsurgical treatment may help, but will not resolve the underlying cause of the pressure. During follow-up of 36 symptomatic patients, 93% of patients showed improvement at some point, however 50% developed recurrent pain, despite cyst size reduction.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297663732_Electromyographic_Abnormalities_Associated_with_Symptomatic_Sacral_Tarlov_Cysts
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333025384_Symptomatic_Tarlov_cysts_are_often_overlooked_ten_reasons_why-a_narrative_review
“Growth of Lumbosacral Perineural (Tarlov) Cysts: A Natural History Analysis”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30535342/
Chapter 115 (Feigenbaum - Henderson - Voyadzis)
https://clinicalgate.com/tarlov-cysts/
Posted Jul 25, 2021 by SOSNL 2500
* Medicatie tegen zenuwpijn: Gabapentine (Neurontin) of Pregabaline (Lyrica) is de eerste keuze. Cymbalta. Redomex. Deanxit. Soms zijn morfine-afgeleide producten nodig.
* Er wordt ten stelligste aangeraden om zo weinig mogelijk te zitten, te staan of zware inspanningen te doen. Dat doet immers de druk in de cyste oplopen en lokt de symptomen uit. Bovendien wordt ook aangeraden (bij geringe pijn) om overdag minstens een uur te gaan liggen om de druk te laten afnemen.
* Aangewezen activiteiten zijn rustig wandelen, zwemmen (in warm water), fietsen (elektrische fiets) op een eigen tempo en binnen de pijngrens.
* Geleidelijke opbouw van de fysieke conditie binnen de pijngrens. Maar de belastbaarheid is erg laag. Daar moet rekening mee worden gehouden. Stabilisatieoefeningen kunnen de pijn doen toenemen en de patiënt haakt af, niet omdat hij/zij niet wil, maar omdat het niet kan.
* Warmte, manuele therapie, osteopathie, ...
* Alcohol, koffie en blootstelling aan de zon vermijden. Dat verhoogt de cerebrospinale druk.
* Er wordt ten stelligste aangeraden om zo weinig mogelijk te zitten, te staan of zware inspanningen te doen. Dat doet immers de druk in de cyste oplopen en lokt de symptomen uit. Bovendien wordt ook aangeraden (bij geringe pijn) om overdag minstens een uur te gaan liggen om de druk te laten afnemen.
* Aangewezen activiteiten zijn rustig wandelen, zwemmen (in warm water), fietsen (elektrische fiets) op een eigen tempo en binnen de pijngrens.
* Geleidelijke opbouw van de fysieke conditie binnen de pijngrens. Maar de belastbaarheid is erg laag. Daar moet rekening mee worden gehouden. Stabilisatieoefeningen kunnen de pijn doen toenemen en de patiënt haakt af, niet omdat hij/zij niet wil, maar omdat het niet kan.
* Warmte, manuele therapie, osteopathie, ...
* Alcohol, koffie en blootstelling aan de zon vermijden. Dat verhoogt de cerebrospinale druk.
Posted Jul 26, 2021 by Founder SOSNL 2500
Laminectomy surgery is the only way to stop progression of Tarlov Cyst Disease. Short term relief may be attained with draining and filling with fibrin glue but this procedure may also make surgery more difficult.
Posted Jul 26, 2021 by KetoGma 2500
Medication for nerve pain: Gabapentin (Neurontin) or Pregabalin (Lyrica) is the first choice. Cymbalta. redomex. Deanxit. Sometimes morphine-derived products are needed. (Targin act)
* It is strongly recommended to sit, stand or do strenuous exercise as little as possible. After all, this increases the pressure in the cyst and provokes the symptoms. In addition, it is also recommended (in case of minor pain) to lie down for at least an hour during the day to let the pressure decrease.
* Suggested activities are gentle walking, swimming (in warm water), cycling (electric bike) at your own pace and within the pain threshold.
* Gradual build-up of physical condition within the pain threshold. But the load capacity is very low. This must be taken into account. Stabilization exercises can increase the pain and the patient drops out, not because he/she does not want to, but because he/she cannot.
* Heat, manual therapy, osteopathy, ...
* Avoid alcohol, coffee and sun exposure. That increases cerebrospinal pressure.
Suctioning and injecting tissue glue is only possible for the rare large cysts with a valve system in some Dutch hospitals. Surgery which is only performed by a few doctors worldwide. . These are less obvious treatment options.
* It is strongly recommended to sit, stand or do strenuous exercise as little as possible. After all, this increases the pressure in the cyst and provokes the symptoms. In addition, it is also recommended (in case of minor pain) to lie down for at least an hour during the day to let the pressure decrease.
* Suggested activities are gentle walking, swimming (in warm water), cycling (electric bike) at your own pace and within the pain threshold.
* Gradual build-up of physical condition within the pain threshold. But the load capacity is very low. This must be taken into account. Stabilization exercises can increase the pain and the patient drops out, not because he/she does not want to, but because he/she cannot.
* Heat, manual therapy, osteopathy, ...
* Avoid alcohol, coffee and sun exposure. That increases cerebrospinal pressure.
Suctioning and injecting tissue glue is only possible for the rare large cysts with a valve system in some Dutch hospitals. Surgery which is only performed by a few doctors worldwide. . These are less obvious treatment options.
Posted Oct 27, 2021 by Reinette 400
Medicine sacral cranial therapy, surgery and neuroestimulador
Posted Oct 25, 2022 by Tania 2500
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Opioids, gabapentin, cymbalta.
Posted Mar 24, 2017 by Simona 1060
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
The treatment depends on the symptoms, the size of the cyst (cysts smaller than 1.5 cm and no alterations to local usually have a clinical treatment, and cysts, greater than or equal to 1.5 cm have surgical treatment), and of the local impacts that this is causing (nerve compression or bone) as well as the results of electromyography of the lower limbs.
The clinical treatment is based on physiotherapy, use of anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, and of several techniques including drainage and aspiration percutaneous (through the skin) cyst. There are studies with a drug called gabapentin that has had good results to improve the pain.
The surgical treatment can be done with the laminectomy sacral with removal of the cyst. You can also make fenestration (perforation) of the cyst with resection (cutting) of the wall of the cyst and suture reinforced to prevent recurrence. The cyst is opened and the fluid is drained and then in order to prevent the liquid return, the cyst can be closed with an injection of rubber of a material called fibrin or other matter that the tape and the seal. It is recommended to perform monitoring with electromyography during the surgical procedure to minimize the possibility of injury to the nerve roots.
The clinical treatment is based on physiotherapy, use of anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, and of several techniques including drainage and aspiration percutaneous (through the skin) cyst. There are studies with a drug called gabapentin that has had good results to improve the pain.
The surgical treatment can be done with the laminectomy sacral with removal of the cyst. You can also make fenestration (perforation) of the cyst with resection (cutting) of the wall of the cyst and suture reinforced to prevent recurrence. The cyst is opened and the fluid is drained and then in order to prevent the liquid return, the cyst can be closed with an injection of rubber of a material called fibrin or other matter that the tape and the seal. It is recommended to perform monitoring with electromyography during the surgical procedure to minimize the possibility of injury to the nerve roots.
Posted Jul 26, 2017 by Maria 1220
Translated from french
Improve translation
For the moment, no therapy can cure the disease of Tarlov. Drug therapy can relieve some neuropathic pain , it is antiepileptique.
