Arachnoiditis Treatment Specialist in Flowood, MS

Arachnoiditis is an uncommon but severe pain condition resulting from inflammation of the arachnoid, a protective membrane encompassing the spinal cord’s nerves. Symptoms encompass a wide range of intense stinging sensations, often characterized as burning pain, along with neurological issues.

The areas most frequently impacted are the lower back and the middle back spine regions, with the whole spine being rarely affected. The path that this condition takes varies considerably, as arachnoiditis can exhibit itself as either a static state, characterized by stability, or a progressive nature, wherein it gradually worsens as time goes on.

Arachnoiditis emerges as a result of arachnoid inflammation, with the potential for inflammation to foster scar tissue or adhesions that bind spinal nerves together. When arachnoiditis starts to encroach upon the proper functioning of one or more spinal nerves, a spectrum of symptoms can materialize. These encompass persistent and enduring pain, accompanied by sensations of tingling, numbness, and a unique stinging and burning discomfort in the lower back or legs.

A subset of individuals grappling with arachnoiditis might encounter incapacitating muscle spasms, cramps, or twitches. The disorder could extend its influence over bladder, bowel, and sexual function. In severe instances, arachnoiditis could potentially lead to paralysis of the lower limbs.

Arachnoiditis typically manifests in the lumbar spine, although it can also present in the cervical and thoracic regions. Individuals affected by lumbar arachnoiditis often characterize their pain as severe, with sensations radiating into the buttocks, groin, and/or legs.

Nearly all arachnoiditis patients experience headaches, potentially arising from the obstruction of regular spinal fluid flow. A distinctive indicator of arachnoiditis is the challenge of sitting for extended periods, or even the inability to do so.

Arachnoiditis predominantly impacts individuals aged 40 to 60, with risk factors like diabetes and conditions that suppress the immune system heightening the likelihood of developing this disorder.

The onset of arachnoid inflammation can be triggered by surgical procedures, spinal cord injuries, infections, or the irritation stemming from chemical injections into the spine. This inflammatory process leads to harm inflicted on spinal nerves, resulting in scarring and aggregation. Additionally, inflammation can impede the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, the vital fluid that envelops and safeguards both the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoiditis progresses through three primary stages. In the initial stage, inflammation targets the spinal nerves, accompanied by an excess of blood in the vessels. During this phase the groundwork for scar tissue formation takes shape.

As the condition advances into the second stage, the process of scar tissue formation gains momentum. The third stage is characterized by nerve compression, leading to the atrophy of these roots. Simultaneously, the scarring tissues hinder the production of spinal fluid in that specific area.

While a definitive cure remains elusive, avenues for treating arachnoiditis symptoms and discomfort are available to help a patient live a normal life and manage their condition. Initial steps often involve non-invasive strategies like physical therapy and pain-relieving medications.

However, arachnoiditis may not consistently respond positively to these conservative approaches. When these measures fall short, turning to surgery becomes a potential option to alleviate pain.

In scenarios involving adhesive arachnoiditis, where scar tissue formation occurs, surgery can present itself as a viable route to pain relief. However, it’s advised to avoid traditional “open” or instrumented fusion surgeries, as they frequently contribute to the generation of new scar tissue.

Precision-focused decompression procedures hold promise in effectively mitigating nerve compression associated with arachnoiditis. These procedures are designed to minimize tissue damage, prevent subsequent scar formation, and optimize long-term outcomes, all while circumventing the use of general anesthesia.

Arachnoiditis treatment is available at Jackson Pain Center. For more information, contact us or book an appointment now! We are conveniently located at 1 Layfair Drive, Suite 400 Flowood, MS 39232. We serve patients from Flowood MS, Jackson MS, Pearl MS, Richland MS, Ridgeland MS, Langford MS, Brandon MS and surrounding areas.