PROGNOSIS

The prognosis of symptomatic adhesive arachnoiditis is usually not good without therapeutic intervention. The condition is often associated with chronic pain. Treatment is usually focused on pain management. The rate of success using a spinal cord stimulator ranges from 30-70%. There is usually a better immediate response with the success rate of long term use dropping to as little at 30%. Surgery may be recommended to physically help break up adhesions which are felt to be contributing to signs or symptoms. The prognosis with surgical microlysis of adhesions is fair with an approximate 50% success rate.

COMPLICATIONS

The complications of arachnoiditis usually involve the development of neurological problems involving one or more nerve roots.

TREATMENT

•             Intrathecal steroid injection
•             Use of a spinal cord stimulator
•             Pain rehabilitation
•             Surgical laminectomy with microlysis of adhesions

PREVENTION

Arachnoiditis is difficult to prevent. The best way to prevent neck and back pain and to prevent progressive spine compromise is to become familiar with how your spine works and to become an active participant in your spinecare. It is important to learn how to choose a spinecare specialist and to recognize an efficient spinecare team. There are many steps you can take and habits you can develop to better care for your spine and prevent spine injury. It is also important that you learn more about your spine disorder and become aware of the signs and symptoms that warrant intervention and follow up care. Early detection and timely intervention is generally associated with better treatment outcome.