Arachnoiditis
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What is Arachnoiditis?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis describes a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and
protect the nerves of the spinal cord. The arachnoid can become inflamed because of an irritation from chemicals, infection
from bacteria or viruses, as the result of direct injury to the spine, chronic compression of spinal nerves, or complications
from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures. Inflammation can sometimes lead to the formation of scar tissue
and adhesions, which cause the spinal nerves to “stick” together. If arachnoiditis begins to interfere with the function of
one or more of these nerves, it can cause a number of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, and a characteristic stinging
and burning pain in the lower back or legs. Some people with arachnoiditis will have debilitating muscle cramps, twitches,
or spasms. It may also affect bladder, bowel, and sexual function. In severe cases, arachnoiditis may cause paralysis of
the lower limbs.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) P.O. Box 850 Rocklin, CA 95677-0850 ACPA@pacbell.net http://www.theacpa.org Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231 Fax: 916-632-3208 |
National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain P.O. Box 70045 Houston, TX 77270 NFTPain@cwo.com http://www.paincare.org Tel: 713-862-9332 Fax: 713-862-9346 |
American Pain Foundation 201 North Charles Street Suite 710 Baltimore, MD 21201-4111 info@painfoundation.org http://www.painfoundation.org Tel: 888-615-PAIN (7246) Fax: 410-385-1832 |
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Last updated February 08, 2007