What is Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis, or adhesive arachnoiditis, is a painful, chronic condition caused by inflammation and scarring of the arachnoid lining, one of the protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord and nerves. This inflammation often leads to nerve damage, resulting in debilitating, persistent pain and a wide array of neurological and systemic symptoms.

What body systems does Arachnoiditis affect?

Arachnoiditis primarily impacts the nervous system by restricting nerve root mobility and causing chronic inflammation within the spinal canal. Because the nerves affected control various bodily functions, the urinary system and bowel functions are frequently disrupted. Additionally, the immune system plays a significant role in the persistent inflammatory response that characterizes the progression of the disease.

How does Arachnoiditis develop?

The pathophysiology of Arachnoiditis involves the arachnoid mater becoming inflamed, often due to chemical irritation, trauma, or spinal surgery. Over time, this inflammation causes the nerve roots to stick together (adhere) or clump, preventing them from floating freely in cerebrospinal fluid. Common symptoms often reported by our 423 DiseaseMaps community members include:

• Severe, shooting pain often described as an electric shock.


• Paresthesia, such as the sensation of insects crawling on the skin or water trickling down the legs.


• Muscle spasms, tremors, and uncontrollable twitching.


• Significant bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction.


• Burning sensations in the feet and lower extremities.

Who is most at risk for Arachnoiditis?

Arachnoiditis is considered a rare condition, though precise global prevalence numbers are difficult to establish due to frequent underdiagnosis. It can affect individuals of any age, gender, or geographic location. Most cases are acquired rather than hereditary, often following invasive spinal procedures, chemical myelography, or chronic spinal infections. It is distinct from other chronic back pain conditions because the specific physical "clumping" of nerves is visible on advanced imaging, differentiating it from generalized disc disease.

Next steps

• Consult with a neurologist or neurosurgeon experienced in spinal inflammatory conditions.


• Discuss specialized protocols, such as the 3-component treatment approach by Dr. Tennant, with your physician.


• Join the 423 members on DiseaseMaps.org to share experiences and find peer support.


• Inquire about anti-inflammatory management strategies to address the underlying immune-system response.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

• NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center: Arachnoiditis.


• Orphanet: Rare disease database regarding spinal arachnoiditis.


• PubMed: Clinical literature on adhesive arachnoiditis and neuro-inflammation.


• Arachnoiditis Support/Foundation data.