What Is Arachnoiditis
Arachnoiditis is a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surrounds and protects the nerves of the spinal cord. It is characterized by severe stinging, burning pain, and neurological problems.
· Arachnoiditis has no consistent pattern of symptoms, but in many people it affects the nerves connecting to the lower back and legs.
· The most common symptom is pain
· Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs
· Sensations that may feel like insects crawling on the skin or water trickling down the leg
· Severe shooting pain that can be similar to an electric shock sensation
· Muscle cramps, spasms and uncontrollable twitching
· Bladder, bowel and/or sexual problems
· As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe or even permanent. Many people with arachnoiditis are unable to work and suffer significant disability because they are in constant pain.
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Treatments
· There is no cure for arachnoiditis.
· Treatment options for arachnoiditis are similar to those for other chronic pain conditions.
· Most treatments focus on relieving pain and improving symptoms that impair daily activities.
· Often, health care professionals recommend a program of pain management, physiotherapy, exercise, and psychotherapy.
· Surgery for arachnoiditis is controversial, because outcomes can be poor and provide only short-term relief.
· Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Arachnoiditis/89265
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-With-Arachnoiditis/97169665773[/list]
