Expert: Thomas Sabalaske DO - 5/6/2010

Question
i am a massage therapist whom has a client with a  fatty cyst on nerve bundle in the lumbar which is presenting symptoms of sciatica.  this was dx by gp that she saw.  we had no succes with massage or spinal manipulation in relieving her pain, so we suggested go to a GP.  The GP suggested surgery and she is not taking this lying down. Is there any other way to rid her body or reduce the fatty cyst alternatively?  
thank you!

Answer
Hi Jen, thanks for writing.  Of course I can't give specific advice, just general information about the topics you have raised.  One of the big questions I have would be is the fatty cyst "on" what structure, (is it attached to the nerve itself or growing out of the surrounding tissues and compression the nerve).  Secondly, does the anatomical abnormalities on radiology studies correlate with your physical exam, that is important, and how severe is the exam, sensory or motor deficits.  Third, has a pain management physician evaluated the patient so assess whether a steroid injection could decrease the impingement on the nerve.  I hope some of these questions can help your patient get the best help.  Let me know how she does.  Tom