Synovial cysts are benign, extradural, cystic structures arising from the facet joint, most often arising in the lumbar spine. Synovial cysts are uncommon pathologies but typically affect patients in the sixth and seventh decades of life, often presenting with intractable back pain, radiculopathy, and neurologic deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic modality of choice, although computed tomography scans are useful for diagnosing bony abnormalities, especially given the strong association between spinal instability and synovial cysts. There is significant variation in the histomorphological characterization of synovial cysts, but the treatment regimen is usually the same. Although conservative and minimally invasive treatment options exist for synovial cysts, the mainstay treatment involves surgical decompression and resection. Further instrumentation of the affected levels will stabilize the spine and eliminate the possibility of cyst recurrence but may be associated with increased rates of complications. Consequently, the treatment plan for synovial cysts will depend on the clinical presentation, size, dura adherence, presence of spinal instability, and surgical risks.