Hi, Arachnoiditis is a chronic, insidious condition that causes debilitating, intractable pain and a range of other neurological problems. Inflammation of the arachnoid can lead to the formation of scar tissue and can cause the spinal nerves to stick together and malfunction. The arachnoid can become inflamed because of an irritation from one of the following sources: 1) Direct injury to the spine. 2) Chemicals: Dye used in myelograms (diagnostic tests in which a dye called radiographic contrast media is injected into the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves) have been blamed for some cases of arachnoiditis.The radiographic contrast media responsible for this(oil bases) is no longer used, however. Also, there is a concern that the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections may cause arachnoiditis. 3) Infection from bacteria or viruses: Infections such as viral and fungal meningitis or tuberculosis can affect the spine. 4) Chronic compression of spinal nerves: Causes for this compression include chronic degenerative disc disease or advanced spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column). 5) Complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures: Similar causes include multiple lumbar (lower back) punctures. Please see a neurophysician, if you are not able to find a neurosurgeon. He might go for a few scans to evaluate you. Diagnosing arachnoiditis can be difficult, but tests such as the CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) have helped with diagnosis. A test called an electromyogram (EMG) can assess the severity of the ongoing damage to affected nerve roots by using electrical impulses to check nerve function. Often, health care professionals recommend a program of pain management (NSAIDs), physiotherapy, exercise, and psychotherapy. Surgery for arachnoiditis is controversial because outcomes can be poor and provide only short-term relief. Clinical trials of steroid injections and electrical stimulation are needed to determine whether those treatments are effective. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician