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.
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