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Och Spine Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Arachnoiditis

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How is Arachnoiditis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Arachnoiditis can be tricky to diagnose. It’s a rare condition and there are no definitive tests for the disease. But in addition to the presence of symptoms and evidence of spinal trauma, there are imaging tests that can help confirm cases.

You doctor may order the following tests to diagnose arachnoiditis:

  • MRI. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can deliver a detailed image of your spine in order to look for inflammation and other signs of arachnoiditis.
  • CT scans. Like an MRI, a computed axial tomography (CT) scan can provide evidence of damage to the arachnoid membranes. Imagining tests can also help rule out other causes of your symptoms.
  • Electromyogram (EMG). An EMG uses electrical impulses to check nerve functionality and determine the severity of nerve root damage.
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). This test can check for infection in the spinal fluid, an underlying cause of arachnoiditis.

How is Arachnoiditis Treated?

Treatment

While there is no arachnoiditis treatment that can permanently cure the condition, there are numerous options that help manage symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. A regime of medication, targeted exercises, and other solutions can vastly improve your quality of life.

Medication

Pain management is a priority for patients living with arachnoiditis. Your doctor or spine specialist may recommend certain medications such as NSAIDs, duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin, and muscle relaxants.

Physical Therapy

Treatment for arachnoiditis can include physical therapy sessions. A physical therapist can work with you to stretch and strengthen back muscles. Hydrotherapy and massage can also help alleviate pain and increase mobility.

Exercise

Exercises for arachnoiditis are crucial to prevent further complications from the disease, including paralysis. Leg and arm stretches can keep the spinal nerve roots from scarring, clumping, or sticking together. Deep breathing and movement can increase spinal fluid flow.

Psychotherapy

Chronic pain and mobility issues can lead to depression and anxiety. Talking to a psychotherapist can help redirect negative thoughts and put you on a positive path.

Nerve Stimulation

A spinal cord stimulator can provide effective relief for pain. It’s a device that sends low-level electrical pulses to your spine, blocking pain signals from being sent up to the brain. Stimulators can be temporary, worn for a few weeks, or permanently placed through a surgical procedure.

FAQs

FAQs

While arachnoiditis is a progressive condition that can greatly affect your quality of living, it is not life-threatening.

In cases of arachnoiditis and other conditions, nerve damage to the spine can cause electric shock-like sensations, tingles, “pins-and-needles”, and stabbing pain down the legs or in the lower back.

The symptoms of arachnoiditis can develop over weeks to months after a traumatic, inciting incident.

Arachnoiditis progresses over years. It can worsen over time and becoming debilitating without treatment.

 

This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.

Evan Johnson, PT

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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Arachnoiditis Treatment

Living with the symptoms of arachnoiditis can be a challenge. The caring specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian are here for you—from diagnosis through long-term treatment. We’ll work with you to minimize symptoms and ensure a better quality of life.

For the best in spinal care and pain management, reach out to NewYork-Presbyterian for an appointment.