What Is Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis is a painful disorder involving inflammation and scarring of the arachnoid, a thin membrane around the spinal cord and nerve roots. The scarring can make nearby nerve tissues stick together or lose normal movement. Symptoms may include burning pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain that spreads through the legs or back.
Quick Facts About Arachnoiditis
Category
Spinal nerve and membrane disorder
Used for
Explaining persistent nerve-related pain
Common confusion
Often confused with routine postsurgical soreness
Also called
Adhesive arachnoiditis
Often discussed with
Post-Surgical Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Arachnoiditis
- It affects tissue around spinal nerves, not only the nerves themselves.
- Symptoms may spread and vary from day to day.
- It is not the same as ordinary muscle soreness.
How Arachnoiditis Works
Arachnoiditis changes the tissue around the spinal cord and nerve roots. Inflammation may cause scar tissue to form around these structures. The affected nerves may become stuck together or irritated, which can change how pain signals travel.
Related glossary terms: Neuropathic Pain, Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerve.
Doctors review symptoms, surgical history, injuries, infections, and imaging findings when assessing this condition. Magnetic resonance imaging may show changes around the nerve roots, but scan results must be matched with the person's symptoms. Nerve-related symptoms may include burning pain, pins-and-needles feelings, numbness, or weakness.
Neuropathic pain describes pain caused by irritated or damaged nerves. Arachnoiditis may produce this type of pain, but other spinal conditions can cause similar symptoms.
From the Premier Injury Specialists team
When we assess possible arachnoiditis during post-surgical pain treatment, we review the surgical history, symptom pattern, examination findings, and available imaging together. We also look for other causes of nerve pain, because several spinal conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Arachnoiditis in Practice: A Real-World Example
After back surgery, a person may develop burning leg pain, tingling, and pain that spreads beyond the original surgical area. A clinician may consider arachnoiditis while reviewing the symptoms, examination, and spinal imaging.
Related Services
Related Terms
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic Pain is pain caused by damaged nerves or abnormal nerve signals. The pain may feel…
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerve tissue that connects the brain with nerves…
Spinal Nerve
A Spinal Nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that carries signals between the spinal cord…
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical imaging method that uses a strong magnetic field and radio…
Premier Injury Specialists
Have Questions About Arachnoiditis?
Contact Premier Injury Specialists for practical guidance on Arachnoiditis and related pain management physician work in Stockbridge.