Arachnoiditis: A rare Spinal Disease

PAIN MANAGEMENT OF RARE SPINAL DISEASE: ARACHNOIDITIS

Arachnoiditis is a rare, progressive neuroinflammatory disease. This is typically misunderstood and underreported neuropathic discomfort that affects the arachnoid layer of the meninges.

Arachnoiditis leads to pain due to the irritation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that encompass and safeguard the nerves of the spinal line. Extreme stinging, a “consuming” torment, and neurological issues describe the condition. Swelling or inflammation of the arachnoid can prompt the development of scar tissue and can make the spinal nerves remain together and break down.

WHAT IS AN ARACHNOID?

The arachnoid is essential for a gathering of layers that pad the mind and spinal rope nerves. While this padding is harmed, nerves may not work accurately. The nerves in the spinal rope are encircled by a few slim tissues, called meninges, which give padding and assurance. The arachnoid mater is the center tissue of the meninges.

Swelling and inflammation result from damage to the arachnoid mater. This swelling can make nerves in the spine remain together, modifying nerve work and setting off extraordinary pain. Arachnoiditis is almost always caused by an injury. The pain for some people can be debilitating.

The damage to the arachnoid could be caused by various reasons such as:

Direct injury to the spine accounts for 60% of the cases reported.
Chemicals: Dye used in various diagnostic tests such as myelograms may lead to arachnoiditis.
Infection from bacteria or viruses: Viral and fungal meningitis or tuberculosis can affect the spine causing arachnoiditis.
Chronic compression of spinal nerves: Sometimes, it can be caused by compressions like chronic degenerative disc disease or advanced spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal column.
Spinal surgery complications or invasive spinal procedures: This may include multiple lumbar (lower back) punctures.
Cancer in or around the spine
Injections into the spine
Physical trauma to the spine
Disk prolapse is caused by bulging of the inner part of a disk in your spinal cord
Rarely, Genetic

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ARACHNOIDITIS?

The symptoms may vary from person to person that can change over time. In the early stages, you may mistake arachnoiditis with a muscle or joint injury. Although muscles and joints might hurt, the source of the pain is neurological, hence massage and similar strategies will not relieve the symptoms.

Some common symptoms of arachnoiditis include:

Changes in vision
Joint or muscle pain
Nerve pain
Unusual sensations like burning or tingling
Tinnitus or Ringing in the ears
Muscle weakness
Changes in hearing
Meningitis, or swelling of the meninges

Some symptoms can be less frequently, such as:

Swelling of the brain (hydrocephalus)
Inability to sweat
Unusual or uncontrollable body movements
Urinary problems
Chronic fatigue
Migraines

Your symptoms may worsen or even become permanent if the disease progresses. A lot of people with arachnoiditis are unable to work and experience a major disability due to constant pain.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE ARACHNOIDITIS?

Arachnoiditis is a rare and under-reported problem, so it may require various tests. Diagnosis of arachnoiditis can be misdiagnosed and take some time. There is no standard test for arachnoiditis, but imaging tests may be helpful. Some of the tests include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan
Electromyogram (EMG)

EMG uses electrical impulses to check how well the nerves are functioning.

HOW TO TREAT ARACHNOIDITIS?

As the diagnosis of arachnoiditis can be difficult so is its treatment. The area around the spinal cord is delicate, and even minor damage can have severe consequences. Currently, there is no cure for arachnoiditis but the doctors focus on reducing the associated symptoms.

Treatment options for arachnoiditis are similar to those for other chronic pain conditions. Most medicines for arachnoiditis center on easing pain and further developing indications that disable day-by-day exercises.

Chiropractic treatment adapts a natural and holistic approach to treat arachnoiditis symptoms. A chiropractor will promote healthy habits and corrective adjustments to the spine. This would help lessen the burden of strain on areas particularly affected by arachnoiditis pain. These would include:

Physical Therapy: Exercise and massage help reduce muscle tension and reduce inflammation. The application of hot and cold packs also helps reduce pain and swelling.
Pain medications: Doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroid drugs, and narcotic pain medications, such as opioids.
Nerve Stimulations: This treatment will help stimulate the nerves or spinal cord offering relief without medication. These include:
- Spinal cord stimulation – This uses a device to send an electrical signal directly to the spinal cord, which can offer ongoing pain relief.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – This would send electricity to the painful region to ease pain and further improve symptoms.
Alternative Remedies: Some people may find relief from various alternative therapies such as acupuncture, diet and lifestyle changes, or homeopathic medicine.

Surgery is possible but is not always effective and exposes the spine to potential further damage. Thus, it is usually not recommended. Even when surgery is effective, the benefits are usually temporary.

This condition can lead to serious disability. It is difficult to live with chronic pain. Not exclusively does it antagonistically influence your body, it can cause mental pressure also. Victims of arachnoiditis are urged to join support gatherings or track down other remedial sources for pressure. Treatment techniques are focused on relief from discomfort and maintaining the quality of life.