Expert: Tamsen Staniford, L.Ac. - 1/11/2010

Question
Hi! I have a Synovial Cyst (L4/L5) that sits on a nerve... I had seen a Chiropractor for a year and a half and when things wouldn't get better I saw an Orthopedic Doctor that send me for an MRI and found the cyst. I have had 3 cyst ruptures and cortisone shots at the same time and I get relief for about 4-6 weeks and then the pain starts again (buttock of back of left leg pain)... My Physiatrist said that I am headed for surgery. Then a friend of mine the other evening said I should try some alternative medicines, maybe acupuncture... your thoughts?

Answer
Dianne,

First, for full disclosure, I have never treated a synovial cyst personally.  That being said, I do know that acupuncture can be very helpful for many types of cysts including sebaceous and ganglion ones.  

Not having personal experience with synovial cysts, I did a little research and came across this article:
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acu.2009.0645

The article discusses a case study in which electro-acupuncture was successful in treating a synovial cyst.

My advice is to find an acupuncturist with experience treating these cysts with electro-acupuncture.  Many acupuncturists use electro-acupunture; some, like me, do not, so double check with the practitioners you consult.

You may also find general acupuncture very helpful to extend the relief time of your current medical treatments, relieve pain, and possibly slow the formation/rupture of the cysts.

I wish you the best in health and wellness.