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What are the best treatments for Arachnoiditis?

See the best treatments for Arachnoiditis here

Arachnoiditis treatments

Treatments for Arachnoiditis


Arachnoiditis is a rare but debilitating condition characterized by inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord. It can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and even paralysis. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for arachnoiditis, but there are several treatment options available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.



1. Pain Management


Pain management is a crucial aspect of arachnoiditis treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide some relief for mild to moderate pain. However, in more severe cases, opioids or other prescription medications may be necessary. It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to find the most effective pain management strategy while minimizing the risk of dependence or addiction.



2. Physical Therapy


Physical therapy can be beneficial for individuals with arachnoiditis. A trained therapist can develop a customized exercise program to improve flexibility, strength, and overall function. Physical therapy may also include techniques such as massage, heat or cold therapy, and electrical stimulation to help alleviate pain and reduce muscle spasms.



3. Epidural Injections


Epidural injections of corticosteroids or local anesthetics can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation associated with arachnoiditis. These injections are administered directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. While they may not provide long-term relief, they can be a valuable tool in managing symptoms and improving mobility.



4. Nerve Blocks


Nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic or medication directly into or around specific nerves to block pain signals. This procedure can provide temporary relief from pain and may be repeated as needed. Nerve blocks can be particularly useful for targeting specific areas of pain caused by arachnoiditis.



5. Spinal Cord Stimulation


Spinal cord stimulation is a procedure that involves implanting a small device near the spinal cord to deliver electrical impulses. These impulses can help disrupt pain signals and provide relief for individuals with chronic pain, including those with arachnoiditis. Spinal cord stimulation is typically considered when other treatments have failed to provide adequate pain relief.



6. Psychological Support


Living with arachnoiditis can be emotionally challenging, and individuals may experience anxiety, depression, or other psychological symptoms. Seeking psychological support through therapy or support groups can be beneficial in managing the emotional impact of the condition and improving overall well-being.



It is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments may vary from person to person, and a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals is often necessary to develop an individualized treatment plan. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight can also contribute to overall well-being.


Diseasemaps
20 answers
It is imparitive that patients be treated with medications that cross the blood brain barrier to treat the neuro-inflammation inside the spinal cord. Some medications to be used are listed below.

Prednisone
Dexamethasone
Ketoralax
Those who have the least amount of invasive medical procedures i.e. Epidurals, spinal cord stimulater, surgically implanted pain pumps all seem to do better in the long run as not to make the scar tissue and inflammation more aggressive.
Pain management therapy
Iv ketamine therapy
Support groups
Water therapy
Heat

Posted Apr 5, 2017 by Josh 2600
There is no real effective treatment or cure. And Arachnoiditis does not just "go away," as some medical professionals will try to claim. Strong opioid pain medication can be used to help manage pain control. Epidural Steroid Injections should be avoided at ALL COSTS, as they are a major cause of Arachnoiditis. Any other invasive spinal procedure should be avoided unless it's life-threatening.

Some people find relief with herbal or homeopathic remedies, medical marijuana, hot/cold packs, Epsom salts, gentle stretching exercises.
If anything you do causes pain, you should STOP IMMEDIATELY.

Posted Apr 7, 2017 by Barbara 1000

Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Kelly 5450
To control the inflammation within the spinal cord. Suppress the glial cells to hopefully prevent it from progressing

Posted May 18, 2019 by nancy 2500
Due to the severe, usually constant nature of arachnoiditis, opiate pain medicine is usually needed. Steroids such as methylprednisolone or dexamethasone as well as toradol injections may help. Keeping your adrenal glands stable by checking cortisol levels is helpful. Medications such as gabapentin, if tolerated, are helpful for the burning neuropathic pain. Muscle relaxers help also.

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by krisrwalters 1300
Ant-inflammation meds
Muscle relaxers for cramping
Lyerica or generic meds to assist in managing sensations
Pain meds to control pain
Meds to assist with sleep/rest
Often -not always .. meds for depression - often accompanies chronic illness & chronic pain
Physiotherapy
Exercise (my own experience it really helps but has challenges)

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Jcrandall72 2500
Treating arachnoiditis can be difficult. The area around the spinal cord is delicate, and even minor damage can have severe consequences.

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

Most doctors choose instead to manage symptoms using a variety of techniques. These include:

Physical therapy - A range of physical therapy techniques may help ease pain and prevent further damage. Exercise therapy can strengthen the muscles and help a person manage the pain.
Massage may reduce muscle tension due to pain, while water therapy can temporarily help nerve pain.
Some people find that hot or cold packs applied to the spinal cord or painful area of the body can temporarily relieve inflammation.

Pain medications - Pain medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroid drugs, and narcotic pain medications, such as opioids. The correct drug depends on a range of factors, including which other medications a person is taking, and whether they experience any side effects.

Nerve stimulation - Treatments that stimulate the nerves or spinal cord may offer relief without medication. Two promising options are: 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) - Similar to a spinal cord stimulator, a TENS unit sends electricity into a painful area to relieve pain and improve movement.

Psychological support - Living with chronic pain can be difficult. Therapy can help some people cope by changing the way they think about the pain and offering emotional support. Some people also find help from support groups for people with chronic pain or rare diseases. These groups may help people in pain find new resources, share effective lifestyle remedies, and feel less alone.

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Staplehurst17 4050
There is no one treatment however some people are having injections, or following Dr. Tennets protocol.

Posted Jan 5, 2020 by Deerut1963 2400
You must follow Dr. Forrest Tennant’s protocol. He has recently published two books dedicated to this very subject.

Posted Jan 8, 2020 by Rhonda 1600
There are limited treatment for arachnoiditis, mobility exercise (limited) depending on severity of arachnoiditis support and understanding hydropool exercise

Posted Jul 9, 2020 by Derek 3000
NOTHING INTERVENTIONAL. EVER.

Heat, water therapy, medication, opiates, stretching,

Posted Mar 20, 2021 by Anna 2300
Methylprednisolone ((Depo)Medrol)
Ketorolac (taradyl)
Dexamethason
LDN (Low Dose Naltrexon)
Cannabisoil (cbd/thc)
Opiates
Curcumin
Sacro Cranial therapy

Posted Jul 22, 2021 by Vincent 3420
There are no treatments or cure except pain mgmt, some supplements, possible hormones treatments, anti inflammatory meds and diet.

Posted Nov 15, 2021 by Jeanne Champion 400
There is no "cure" for arachnoiditis, but there are several options to help with the symptoms. Some fine physical therapies helpful, but most require some sort of medical treatment. Neuropathic agents, or mainly Antiseizure meds. Often times opioids are prescribed, but there are positives & negatives with using these . Muscle relaxants & often vitamins & supplements are beneficial. There's also things like CBD oils/creams, medicated or prescription creams, and medicated wraps.

Posted Nov 15, 2021 by Nordlisa906 300
Currently there are no FDA approved treatments specifically for Arachnoiditis although Research is just being created.

Currently, the best we have to offer is the advice from the Advisory Board at the Tennant Foundation. His Handbook to Live Well with Adhesive Arachnoiditis.
Also, our nonprofit ACMCRN curates the latest in research and treatment recommendations
See the #StartingPoint post at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ACMCRN/ for most up to date protocols etc.

www.acmcrn.org should be live by Jan2022.

Posted Nov 15, 2021 by ACMCRN 2200
The sooner you address the neuro inflammation the better. Do your best to stay as active as possible.

Posted Nov 16, 2021 by [email protected] 700
The most successful treatment of arachnoiditis is a three pronged attack. One involves treating inflammation (NSAIDSs, low dose steroids, massage, soaking in hot tub) the other treating the nerves themselves (ie Gabapentin) and finally the pain itself (opioids, THC).

Posted Nov 16, 2021 by Terry603 700
Anti-inflammatory Diet. Opiates, Anti-inflammatory meds like Prednisone and Methyl Prednisone.
We have a chronic inflammation problem with our spine.
For Me, I avoid White flour and Sugar, High fructose corn syrup, candies. Stick with natural foods.

Posted Jan 7, 2022 by Machinetoolmkr 5550

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