Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Arachnoiditis is primarily caused by physical, chemical, or infectious trauma to the arachnoid mater, the delicate middle layer of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and nerves. This damage leads to chronic inflammation and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions), which can tether the spinal nerves and cause debilitating pain and neurological dysfunction. What triggers the development of Arachnoiditis? The development of Arachnoiditis is usually an acquired condition rather than a hereditary one.
14 people with Arachnoiditis have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
Which are the causes of Arachnoiditis?
Causes of Arachnoiditis explained: genetic and environmental factors, reviewed against medical sources, plus patient perspectives.
Arachnoiditis is primarily caused by physical, chemical, or infectious trauma to the arachnoid mater, the delicate middle layer of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and nerves. This damage leads to chronic inflammation and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions), which can tether the spinal nerves and cause debilitating pain and neurological dysfunction.
What triggers the development of Arachnoiditis?
The development of Arachnoiditis is usually an acquired condition rather than a hereditary one. It occurs when the arachnoid lining becomes inflamed, leading to the formation of fibrous scar tissue. When these tissues stick together, they interfere with the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and compress the delicate nerve roots. The 423 members of our Arachnoiditis community often report that the condition began following specific medical events or trauma.
What are the primary risk factors for Arachnoiditis?
While the exact etiology involves a complex inflammatory cascade, the most common clinical triggers include:
- Spinal Surgery: Multiple or complicated laminectomies or spinal fusions.
- Chemical Irritants: Historical use of oil-based contrast dyes (myelography) or certain epidural steroid injections.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial meningitis, or tuberculosis affecting the central nervous system.
- Physical Trauma: Severe spinal cord injuries or complications from chronic intrathecal pump placement.
Is Arachnoiditis a genetic condition?
Current medical literature does not classify Arachnoiditis as a genetic disease. There are no known specific gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities responsible for the condition. However, researchers are investigating whether certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition to an exaggerated inflammatory or fibrotic response, which could explain why some patients develop Arachnoiditis after a procedure while others do not.
How is the science of Arachnoiditis evolving?
Research into Arachnoiditis is shifting toward understanding the immune system's role in chronic neuro-inflammation. Scientists are exploring how the nervous system and immune system interact to sustain the "adhesive" process long after the initial injury. By studying these pathways, researchers hope to move beyond symptom management toward treatments that specifically halt the inflammatory scarring process characteristic of Arachnoiditis.
Next steps
- Consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon who specializes in adhesive Arachnoiditis.
- Connect with the 423 members on DiseaseMaps.org to share management strategies.
- Keep a detailed log of your symptoms to help your medical team assess inflammation levels.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet: Rare Disease Database
- PubMed: Clinical studies on arachnoiditis and spinal inflammation
- The Arachnoiditis Foundation (Patient Advocacy Resources)
Posted Apr 5, 2017 by Josh 2600
The spinal cord is intended to be the most pristine part of the body. Any foreign matter introduced into the spinal cord, even your own blood, can cause issues. So if that needle used during Epidural Steroid Injections goes even ONE MILLIMETER too far into the sura and enters the spinal cord, the medication used (no matter WHAT it is) can cause Arachnoiditis.
Other causes include myelograms, surgeries, meningitis, and extreme blunt trauma to the spine.
Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Barbara 1000
Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kelly 5450
Posted May 18, 2019 by nancy 2500
Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Jcrandall72 2500
Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Deerut1963 2400
- an injury during spinal surgery, which accounts for about 60 percent of cases
- myelography, when a dye is injected into the spinal column
- exposure to chemicals that damage the meninges
- injections into the spine, such as following an epidural
- lumbar puncture
- viral and bacterial infections of the spine
- physical trauma to the spine, such as from a car accident
- cancer in or around the spine
A very small number of arachnoiditis cases are genetic.
Posted Jan 7, 2020 by Staplehurst17 4050
Posted Jan 8, 2020 by Rhonda 1600
Never has anyone researched the absorption rate of epidural steroid drugs when injected because if it is only one week and not a month or several months then what in the heck is the purpose besides getting paid a lot of money to torture us patients
Posted May 1, 2020 by KenNwv 500
Posted Jul 9, 2020 by Derek 3000
Posted Mar 20, 2021 by Anna 2300
Chemicals: Dye used in myelograms (diagnostic tests in which a dye called radiographic contrast media is injected into the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves) have been blamed for some cases of arachnoiditis. The radiographic contrast media responsible for this is no longer used, however. Also, there is concern that the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections may cause arachnoiditis.
Infection from bacteria or viruses: Infections such as viral and fungal meningitis or tuberculosis can affect the spine.
Chronic compression of spinal nerves: Causes for this compression include chronic degenerative disc disease or advanced spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal column).
Complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures: Similar causes include multiple lumbar (lower back) punctures.
Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Vincent 3420
Posted Nov 15, 2021 by ACMCRN 2200
Lumbar surgery, Lumbar punctures, Accidents. The spinal cord is very well protected, Therefore I believe medical damage trying to treat other pain is responsible for most cases of Arachnoiditis. I had more lumbar injections than I can remember. I had my spinal cord punctured twice with severe electrical pain. Had a spinal fluid leak and a blood patch, after laying in a pool of my own sweat for 2 weeks. it did not hold. It was one hellish couple months.
Posted Jan 7, 2022 by Machinetoolmkr 5550
