Arachnoiditis is a rare and painful condition affecting the spine. When the arachnoid, one of the three protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord, becomes damaged and inflamed, this causes nerve problems, including severe pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty moving.
Arachnoiditis can be caused by various factors that irritate or injure the arachnoid, such as:
Spinal surgery, injury, or bleeding
Epidural injections, such as steroids or anesthesia
Infections, such as meningitis or tuberculosis
Chemicals, such as contrast dye or chemotherapy drugs
Disk problems, such as disk prolapse or herniation
The symptoms of arachnoiditis depend on the location and extent of the nerve damage. The most common symptoms are:
Intense pain in the lower back, legs, buttocks, or feet, that may feel like burning, electric shock, or stabbing
Numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensation in the affected areas
Muscle cramps, spasms, or weakness
Trouble walking or moving
Bladder or bowel problems
Sexual dysfunction
Other possible symptoms include:
Headaches
Vision or hearing problems
Dizziness or nausea
Ringing in the ears
Joint pain
Fatigue or trouble sleeping
Depression or anxiety
In severe cases, arachnoiditis can cause paralysis of the legs.
In order to diagnose arachnoiditis, the doctor will ask you about your medical history, particularly any spinal procedures or injuries you have had. Arachnoiditis is hard to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other spinal conditions. Your reflexes, sensations, and strength will also be checked by the doctor during a physical examination.
The doctor may order some tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes, such as:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the spine and nerves
Computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the spine and nerves
Electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves
Nerve conduction studies (NCS), which measure how fast the nerves transmit signals
There is no cure for arachnoiditis, and the damage to the nerves is usually permanent. The treatment for arachnoiditis is aimed at managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life. The treatment options may include:
Medications, such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants
Physical therapy, which can help improve mobility, strength, and flexibility
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which can help reduce pain by sending mild electrical pulses to the skin
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), which can help block pain signals by implanting a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spine
Intrathecal pump, which can help deliver pain medication directly to the spinal fluid by implanting a device that pumps the medication through a catheter
Psychotherapy, which can help cope with the emotional and psychological effects of chronic pain
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, or meditation, which can help relieve stress and promote relaxation
Arachnoiditis can be prevented by avoiding or reducing the risk factors that can cause it, such as:
Seeking prompt treatment for any spinal infections or injuries
Avoiding unnecessary or repeated spinal procedures or injections
Choosing safer and less invasive methods for spinal imaging or anesthesia
Following the doctor’s instructions and precautions after any spinal surgery or procedure
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress
Arachnoiditis is a serious and debilitating condition that can affect your mental and physical well-being. You should consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms of arachnoiditis. Early detection and treatment can help slow down the disease's progression and make it easier to live.
