Spinal arachnoiditis: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview
Spinal arachnoiditis is inflammation and scarring of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. It can cause nerve roots to become irritated, stuck together, or tethered. It is most often discussed in the context of chronic back or leg pain and neurologic symptoms after certain spine conditions or interventions. The term is commonly used in radiology reports (MRI) and in neurosurgery, orthopedic spine, pain medicine, and rehabilitation clinics.