Compression of the Thecal sac.

[joel]

Does anyone know much about the Theca And if it is compressed and causing burning type pain how long you can go before permanent damage is done?
Is this the kind of damage that once relieved through decompression leads to arachnoiditis later on?
I have just discovered this is probably where my pain is coming from for over a year now but have only just had it diagnosed.
I am beginning to think I have cord damage from this.
How would you be able to tell? Only after decompression surgery I guess.
Any info would be helpful.
joel.

[Justin]

Does anyone know much about the Theca And if it is compressed and causing burning type pain how long you can go before permanent damage is done?
Is this the kind of damage that once relieved through decompression leads to arachnoiditis later on?
I have just discovered this is probably where my pain is coming from for over a year now but have only just had it diagnosed.
I am beginning to think I have cord damage from this.
How would you be able to tell? Only after decompression surgery I guess.
Any info would be helpful.
joel.

Hey Joel,

I'm very sorry to hear your diagnosis. I will post a lot of great resources for you later today (I'm tied up at the moment), as you bring up many important issues.

Now that you have a diagnosis, I know your treating physicians will be able to move forward and help in your situation.

I wish you the very best and I will be back later today...hang in there, my friend.

[Justin]

Does anyone know much about the Theca And if it is compressed and causing burning type pain how long you can go before permanent damage is done?
Is this the kind of damage that once relieved through decompression leads to arachnoiditis later on?
I have just discovered this is probably where my pain is coming from for over a year now but have only just had it diagnosed.
I am beginning to think I have cord damage from this.
How would you be able to tell? Only after decompression surgery I guess.
Any info would be helpful.
joel.

Hey Joel,

Sorry for the late reply...I got tied up yesterday. Compression of the thecal sac and the nerve roots within can have a wide variety of presenting symptoms based on the degree of compression. Symptoms can range from sensory disturbances (pain) to varying degrees of motor compromise (motor weakness). "Permanent damage" is based on many factors including duration of time since initial compression, the degree of compression, etc. However, there are not hard and fast rules, as damage depends on many factors specific to the individual case.

Is this the kind of damage that once relieved through decompression leads to arachnoiditis later on? How would you be able to tell?

Joel, MRI is the study of choice for the diagnosis of arachoiditis.

Here is some information on arachnoiditis:

What is Arachnoiditis?
Arachnoiditis describes a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord. The arachnoid can become inflamed because of an irritation from chemicals, infection from bacteria or viruses, as the result of direct injury to the spine, chronic compression of spinal nerves, or complications from spinal surgery or other invasive spinal procedures. Inflammation can sometimes lead to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions, which cause the spinal nerves to “stick” together. If arachnoiditis begins to interfere with the function of one or more of these nerves, it can cause a number of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, and a characteristic stinging and burning pain in the lower back or legs. Some people with arachnoiditis will have debilitating muscle cramps, twitches, or spasms. It may also affect bladder, bowel, and sexual function. In severe cases, arachnoiditis may cause paralysis of the lower limbs.

Is there any treatment?

Arachnoiditis remains a difficult condition to treat, and long-term outcomes are unpredictable. Most treatments for arachnoiditis are focused on pain relief and the improvement of symptoms that impair daily function. A regimen of pain management, physiotheraphy, exercise, and psychotheraphy is often recommended. Surgical intervention is controversial since the outcomes are generally poor and provide only short-term relief. Clinical trials of steroid injections and electrical stimulation are needed to determine the efficacy of these treatments.
What is the prognosis?

Arachnoiditis appears to be a disorder that causes chronic pain and neurological deficits and does not improve significantly with treatment. Surgery may only provide temporary relief. Aging and pre-existing spinal disorders can make an accurate prognosis problematic. The outlook for someone with arachnoiditis is complicated by the fact that the disorder has no predictable pattern or severity of symptoms.
What research is being done?

Within the NINDS research programs, arachnoiditis is addressed primarily through studies associated with pain research. NINDS vigorously pursues a research program seeking new treatments for pain and nerve damage with the ultimate goal of reversing debilitating conditions such as arachnoiditis.

Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke LINK

I hope this helps and let me know if you need anything else. Hang in there.

[Justin]

Hey Joel,

How was your neuro appointment on Monday? By all means, don't feel obligated to share with the Forum...you can always reach me by private message.

I hope you are feeling better. :thumpup:

[KBear]

But we would like it if you shared..... Hoping all went great and you have some options in your treatment.