Pain disorders can cause a range of symptoms that make getting a definitive diagnosis difficult. However, the experienced team at Source Healthcare in Santa Monica, California specializes in spine care and pain management and can diagnose even the most difficult conditions like arachnoiditis. For an evaluation, call the office or request an appointment online today.
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What is Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis refers to inflammation of the arachnoid, which is a membrane that surrounds and protects the nerves in your spinal cord. The pain disorder causes stinging and burning sensations as well as neurological problems.
When the arachnoid becomes inflamed, it can lead to the development of scar tissue, which in turn causes the nerves in your spine to stick together and malfunction.
The inflammation may develop after an injury to the spine, an infection, back surgery, or chronic compression due to conditions such as spinal stenosis. Chemicals found in epidural steroid injections and the dye used for myelograms (a diagnostic test that looks for problems in the spinal canal) have also been linked to the development of arachnoiditis.
What Are the Symptoms of Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis causes a range of symptoms, but most often affects the nerves in your legs.
In addition to pain, arachnoiditis causes:
- Leg weakness or numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Feeling as though insects are crawling on your skin
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Uncontrolled muscle twitching
- Issues with bowel or bladder function
Over time your symptoms may get worse, and, without proper treatment, they may become permanent.
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How is Arachnoiditis Diagnosed?
Due to the variations in symptoms, arachnoiditis can be difficult to diagnose. The team at Source Healthcare specializes in the diagnosis of pain disorders like arachnoiditis and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or CAT scan, to confirm its suspicions.
The team may also request an electromyogram (EMG) to assess the severity of the nerve damage.
What Are the Treatments for Arachnoiditis?
Currently, there is no cure for arachnoiditis, but the team at Source Healthcare can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you gain control over your pain. Your treatment plan may include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Psychotherapy
Currently, clinical trials are investigating the use of steroid injections and electrical stimulation as an option for pain management for arachnoiditis.
As active participants in clinical trials, the team at Source Healthcare can discuss all of your options for pain management during your consultation.
Arachnoiditis is a rare pain disorder that can lead to debilitating pain. To schedule a consultation with the pain management experts at Source Healthcare, call the office or book an appointment online today.
