Tarlov Cysts Emerge From The Spine and Press On Bladder Nerves

A rarer cause of pelvic pain and urinary discomfort could be Tarlov cysts, sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid that emerge from between vertebrae in the spinal cord. They can compress nerve roots, causing lower back pain, sciatica (shock-like or burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down one leg to below the knee), urinary incontinence, headaches (due to changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure), constipation, sexual dysfunction, and more. Treatment involves draining the cyst to remove fluid. Sadly, this is usually just temporary and must be performed several times. Surgery may also be suggested.