What Is Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the arachnoid, a thin membrane around the spinal cord and nerve roots. In some cases, inflammation causes nearby nerve roots to stick together or become irritated. Symptoms may include burning pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in bowel and bladder function.
Quick Facts About Arachnoiditis
Category
Spinal nerve membrane disorder
Used for
Describing nerve-related spinal pain
Common confusion
Often confused with epidural fibrosis
Also called
Chronic adhesive arachnoiditis, Spinal arachnoiditis
Often discussed with
Epidural Steroid Injection
Key Takeaways About Arachnoiditis
- Scar tissue may bind spinal nerve roots together.
- Symptoms can spread beyond the original pain area.
- Arachnoiditis is not the same as ordinary muscle soreness.
How Arachnoiditis Works
Arachnoiditis affects the arachnoid membrane and the nerve roots within the spinal canal. Inflammation can lead to scar tissue, which may cause nerve roots to clump, stick, or move poorly. These changes can create burning pain, electric sensations, numbness, or weakness.
Related glossary terms: Epidural Fibrosis, Epidural Space, Neuropathic Pain.
Doctors assess the condition through a medical history, a physical exam, and imaging when appropriate. Magnetic resonance imaging may show changes around the nerve roots, but scan findings must match the person's symptoms. An epidural steroid injection may be considered only after a clinician reviews the spine, symptoms, and prior treatment history.
Arachnoiditis may follow surgery, infection, bleeding, injury, or irritation around the spinal canal. The cause is not always clear. Symptoms can remain steady or change over time.
From the Premier Injury Specialists team
When we review possible arachnoiditis before an Epidural Steroid Injection, we study the symptom pattern, prior spine procedures, and available imaging. We also check whether the planned injection fits the suspected pain source and the anatomy shown on imaging.
Arachnoiditis in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with persistent burning leg pain after a prior spine procedure may have symptoms that raise concern for arachnoiditis. Before an Epidural Steroid Injection, the clinician reviews the person's history and imaging to guide the treatment plan.
Related Terms
Epidural Fibrosis
Epidural Fibrosis is scar tissue that forms in the epidural space after spinal surgery, injury, or…
Epidural Space
An epidural space is a narrow area inside the spinal canal that surrounds the outer covering…
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic Pain is pain caused by damage, irritation, or abnormal signaling in the nerves that carry…
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar Radiculopathy is a nerve-related condition in the lower back that affects a nerve root near…
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Have Questions About Arachnoiditis?
Contact Premier Injury Specialists for practical guidance on Arachnoiditis and related pain management physician work in McDonough.