Symptoms

Symptoms of Tarlov cysts

The symptoms associated with Tarlov cysts vary widely depending on the size and location of the cysts and how much pressure they place on the nerves. Usually patients have some combination of the symptoms mentioned below and not necessarily every symptom. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly.

Many people with Tarlov cysts never experience symptoms at all. For those who do, common experiences include pain or numbness in the lower back, legs, and pelvic region, as well as bladder, bowel, or sexual dysfunction.

Sacral Tarlov cysts

The sacrum is a triangle-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine connected to the hips. Tarlov cysts in the sacrum are the most common type and are associated with:

Pain or numbness

  • In the lower back or sacral area, buttocks, hips, back of the legs, or feet. This could feel like pressure, tenderness, pulling, or burning in the sacrum, and could extend across the hip and into the thigh.
  • In the anus, vagina, or the area between the anus and genitals known as the perineum. Some patients are unable to wear underwear or tight clothing due to pain.
  • Feeling like ants are crawling on your feet or that water is running down your leg. These abnormal sensations are called paresthesias.
  • Burning or tingling down the back of the leg, known as sciatica.
  • With sitting or standing for even short periods of time, having to move around frequently when sitting or use a cushion. Some patients say it feels like sitting on a rock or something sharp.
  • After bending or lifting.

Bladder issues

  • Difficulty emptying or slow emptying including having to push or bear down to empty the bladder
  • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or frequently
  • Not feeling the need to urinate, or going less often
  • Bladder pain or spasms
  • Incontinence
  • History of urinary tract infections

Bowel issues

  • Constipation
  • Bowel incontinence or leakage
  • Pain with bowel movements

Sexual dysfunction

Other issues

  • Headaches
  • Weakness and/or cramping in legs and feet
  • Shrinking of muscles in the legs, known as atrophy
  • Symptoms that improve when lying down or in a certain position (some patients cannot lie flat on their backs) and worsen with sitting, standing, or doing activity

Intrapelvic Tarlov cysts

Cysts located in front of the sacrum deep and low in the pelvis are associated with:

  • Pelvic or low abdominal pain
  • Heaviness in the pelvis
  • Worsened symptoms during a menstrual period

Thoracic spine Tarlov cysts

Cysts located in the middle part of the back are associated with:

  • Pain, pressure, and/or numbness in the
    • Upper back, middle back, or middle-low back
    • Ribs
    • Upper chest
    • Abdomen
    • Front of arm
  • Discomfort while wearing a bra

Cervical spine Tarlov cysts

Cysts located in the neck are associated with:

  • Pain, pressure, and/or numbness
    • In the neck
    • In the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers
    • Radiating between the neck and shoulder, arm, and hands
  • Weakness of the arms and/or hands

What symptoms indicate I need urgent care?

  • Increased difficulty in emptying your bladder indicating decreased bladder function. You may need to go to the emergency department or see a urologist if you cannot urinate.
  • Inability to pass bowel movements
  • Suicidal thoughts or self harm
    • If you’re in the U.S. you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support at any time.