If you begin to experience back or lower-body pain after a traumatic injury or accident, an MRI scan might reveal you have Tarlov cysts, or fluid-filled sacs. You might be able to relieve pain from Tarlov cysts and related conditions by following a careful diet. A nutritionist and doctor can work with you to plan your diet and treat your cysts.
The Basics
Tarlov cysts are sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid, most often located in your lower back near your tailbone, according to the Tarlov Cyst Foundation. They might cause pain from pinched nerves, destruction of bones from pressure, headaches and constipation, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Draining the fluid and using corticosteroid injections to reduce pressure are usually only temporary treatment solutions, and you might need surgery to remove the cysts. An appropriate diet for individuals with Tarlov cysts might decrease your pain and your need for pain medications.
Alkaline Diet
Too much acidity in your body might increase pain from Tarlov cysts, according to the Tarlov Cyst Association. A beneficial diet for individuals with Tarlov cysts might emphasize alkaline, or basic, foods, which have a pH greater than 7, according to UCSD.edu. Examples include eggs, yogurt, tofu, milk, almonds, and most fruits and vegetables. Acidic foods to limit include meats, fish, cheese, most grains, berries and most nuts. No scientific studies have definitively proven that an alkaline diet can effectively treat Tarlov cysts.
High-Fiber Foods
According to the Tarlov Cyst Association, more than half of individuals with these cysts experience bowel problems such as constipation. You might be able to prevent constipation by increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, according to MayoClinic.com. High-fiber foods include most fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains. If you are having trouble getting enough fiber from food, your doctor might recommend a fiber supplement, such as psyllium seed. Be sure to drink plenty of water and increase your fiber intake gradually to reduce side effects such as diarrhea.
Interstitial Cystitis Relationship
Tarlov cysts might lead to bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis, an inflamed bladder condition, according to the Tarlov Cyst Association. To reduce irritation, MayoClinic.com recommendations avoiding chocolate, carbonated beverages such as soft drinks, caffeine -- such as from coffee and some colas, and foods with high amounts of vitamin C. Examples include red peppers, tomatoes and strawberries. You might also need to limit your intake of spicy foods and artificial sweeteners if you find that they cause pain.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Tarlov Cysts Information Page
- UCSD.edu: Acid and Alkaline Foods
- MayoClinic.com: Interstitial Cystitis
- Tarlov Cyst Foundation: Tarlov Cyst Information
- Tarlov Cyst Association: Frequently Asked Questions
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber -- Essential for a Healthy Diet
