Arachnoiditis
Arachnoiditis is a chronic pain condition involving inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and spinal nerves. The condition can cause severe neuropathic pain, neurological symptoms and significant changes in mobility and daily function.
What Is Arachnoiditis?
The arachnoid is a membrane that helps protect the nerves of the spinal cord. When this membrane becomes inflamed, it can irritate nearby nerve roots and lead to persistent pain and neurological symptoms.
Adhesive Arachnoiditis
In some cases, inflammation can lead to scar tissue that causes spinal nerve roots to adhere or “stick” together. This is known as adhesive arachnoiditis and may produce severe and persistent symptoms.
Symptoms Can Affect More Than Pain
Arachnoiditis affects people differently, and symptoms may depend on which spinal nerves are involved.
Common Symptoms May Include:
What Can Cause Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis can develop after inflammation or irritation of the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal nerves.
Spinal Procedures or Surgery
In some patients, inflammation may occur following spinal surgery, procedures or other interventions involving the tissues surrounding the spinal cord.
Infection & Inflammation
Certain bacterial or viral infections affecting the tissues around the spinal cord may contribute to inflammation of the arachnoid membrane.
Spinal Injury or Irritation
Direct injury, trauma or significant irritation affecting the spinal canal may also trigger an inflammatory response in susceptible patients.
How Arachnoiditis Is Diagnosed
Medical History & Exam
Diagnosis begins with a detailed review of symptoms, previous spinal procedures or injuries and a neurological examination.
MRI or CT Imaging
Imaging studies may help identify nerve root clumping, inflammation, scar tissue or other structural changes within the spinal canal.
Electrodiagnostic Testing
Electromyography and nerve conduction testing may be used to evaluate nerve function and determine the extent of neurological involvement.
Managing Arachnoiditis
There is currently no cure for arachnoiditis, so treatment typically focuses on controlling pain, improving function and reducing the impact of symptoms on everyday life.
Medication Management
Medication may be used to help control neuropathic pain, inflammation, muscle spasms and related symptoms based on the patient's individual condition.
Physical Therapy
Individualized rehabilitation may help maintain strength, mobility and function while reducing physical limitations associated with chronic pain.
Psychological Support
Chronic pain can affect emotional well-being. Counseling and behavioral strategies may help patients cope with the ongoing physical and psychological burden of the condition.
Treatment Focuses on Improving Quality of Life.
Arachnoiditis can be difficult to treat and symptoms may persist over time. The goal of care is generally not to “cure” the condition, but to develop an individualized strategy that helps reduce pain, preserve mobility and improve daily function.
Experiencing Persistent Nerve or Spinal Pain?
A pain management evaluation can help determine the source of your symptoms and identify appropriate options for managing them.