Anklosing Spondylitis
	Discitis
	Osteoporosis
	Sacroiliitis
	Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis is inflammation of the delicate, web-like membranes that cover the spinal cord. It may result from infection, such as meningitis, or from trauma such as a fall, surgery, lumbar puncture, or myelography (a test to diagnose disorders of the spinal canal and cord). If the inflammation becomes chronic, it means that the nerve roots (peripheral nerves exiting the spinal cord) are damaged.

As a result, people will experience chronic debilitating pain in the low back and legs. Symptoms include weakness, numbness, tingling, stinging, and burning in the legs. Non-surgical treatment focused on pain management is generally recommended. Surgery to remove adhesions is generally not recommended because scar tissue may continue to develop, and the spinal canal may be exposed to additional trauma. Neurostimulation or intrathecal drug delivery may be considered in instances where conservative pain management treatments, such as exercise or other manual techniques, have failed.

Unless Noted Otherwise, All Articles and Graphics Copyright © 2009, Medtronic Sofamor Danek, All Rights Reserved.
Please review our Privacy Policy, Editorial Policy, Terms Of Use, Credits or Contact Us for more information. RSS Feed

We comply with the
HONcode standard for
trustworthy health
information: verify here.