Published on Spine-Health (http://www.spine-health.com)

Home > Glossary > A > Content

Created 01/04/2008 - 09:52

Arachnoiditis

Definition
A type of chronic pain caused by inflammation in the spinal canal. Arachnoiditis is a chronic pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid membrane and subarachnoid space that surround the nerves of the spinal cord. The inflammation can cause the meninges to adhere to the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Because the nerve roots are affected, symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and burning pain is often felt in the lower back or legs.

Severe cases of arachnoiditis can result in the loss of motor function, loss of bladder and bowel control and even paralysis. Arachnoiditis can arise from infection, direct spinal injury, and chronic compression of the spinal nerves or invasive spinal surgeries. The condition can be treated through certain types of physical therapy and pain management programs.

Synonyms and relevant terms
  • Adhesive Arachnoiditis

  • Scar Tissue

Related information
  • Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain

  • Scar tissue and back pain



  • A
  • Arachnoiditis
  • Burning Pain
Spine-Health publishes original, award-winning articles written for patients by over 80 physician authors and peer-reviewed by a 23 member Medical Advisory Board. This trusted, independent site is supported by hundreds of physician members and visited by millions of patients and their physicians.

Source URL: http://www.spine-health.com/glossary/a/arachnoiditis