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ACMCRN and the Tennant Foundation: Understanding the Difference
Introduction to ACMCRN ACMCRN is a well-established nonprofit organization. Founded in 2018, it has an international reach and board...

Lori Verton
Mar 8, 20253 min read


Hormone testing for Arachnoiditis and Chronic Pain
While there are currently no FDA treatments for Arachnoiditis, patients do have some treatment options to consider. Supplements and hormones

Lori Verton
Sep 27, 20222 min read
Lidocaine Infusions: New Interest in Older Treatment
I've been going through a sample of posts that we have shared since 2017, to find #treatments that our community have not spoken of much in the recent years. #lidocaine is one of the best treatments that has been somehow lost along the way. Our co founder, Louise Carbonneu, had a great run of about 3 or 4 years before the government removed it from our Ontariohealth insurance plan (OHIP). I hope to have her post her Lidocaine protocol here for anyone that requests it. Lori.

Lori Verton
Jan 301 min read


Final Harmony: Weaving Mind, Body, and Energy for Lasting Well-being
In this series finale, we integrate the science of neuroplasticity with the power of Visualization to "close the gate" on chronic pain signals. Discover a comprehensive daily harmony plan that combines Kukicha tea, Do-In, and macrobiotic nutrition into a sustainable routine for managing Adhesive Arachnoiditis and reclaiming your well-being.

Lori Verton
Jan 183 min read


The Unstoppable Force—Harnessing Gratitude to Rewrite Pain
Chronic pain often traps the brain in a cycle of fear and distress. Learn how the macrobiotic principle of "front and back" and modern neuroscience can help you harness gratitude to modulate pain signals and build resilience.

Lori Verton
Jan 183 min read


Moving Your Energy—Simple Do-In Exercises for Flexibility and Flow
Discover Do-In, a gentle Eastern practice of self-massage and stretching designed to move Ki energy and blood flow without flaring AA pain. Learn the science of rewiring your pain brain through mindful movement.

Lori Verton
Jan 183 min read


Adhesive Arachnoiditis: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Patient Safety
Adhesive Arachnoiditis is a serious inflammatory condition of the spinal cord. While common treatments like Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are often suggested, they carry an FDA "Black Box" warning and can cause permanent disease progression. Learn to recognize the "red flag" symptoms, understand why MRI is the diagnostic gold standard, and download our Patient Advocacy Sheet to protect your spine at your next appointment.
EveBlackburn
Dec 24, 20255 min read
Does anger and other emotions actually affect your pain experience?
https://www.painnewsnetwork.org/stories/2025/12/4/study-shows-anger-makes-chronic-pain-worse The author of this opinion piece has made a good caveat to be considered by physicians who might add "anger" to their assessments. Much like they did with childhood trauma, these assessments are often not to help more quickly identify those who may struggle with pain management and provide targeted assistance, but as a way of evidence for a diagnosis of a mental diagnosis, like funct

Lori Verton
Dec 9, 20252 min read


Pain Pumps: Do's and Don'ts
Intrathecal pain pumps can provide meaningful relief for some chronic pain patients, but they also carry significant risks. This guide offers clear, experience-based insight into the benefits, complications, and critical safety warnings—especially for those with Adhesive Arachnoiditis.
EveBlackburn
Dec 8, 20257 min read


Mineral Magic—Harnessing Sea Vegetables to Quench Inflammation
Explore how sea vegetables—rich in minerals, antioxidants, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds—can support energy, nerve health, and overall balance. This episode introduces simple ways to use Kombu and Wakame to boost digestion, replenish minerals, and gently support the body for those living with chronic pain and neurological instability.

Lori Verton
Dec 3, 20253 min read


🍵 Sip Your Way to Serenity: The Calming Power of Warm Twig Tea
Warm twig tea (Kukicha) offers a simple yet powerful daily ritual for calming the nervous system and supporting mind-body balance. Rooted in modern neuroscience and macrobiotic wisdom, this gentle, low-caffeine tea helps activate the vagus nerve, reduce stress, and ease the intensity of Arachnoiditis and chronic pain. Sip slowly and let warmth become part of your healing routine.

Lori Verton
Nov 26, 20253 min read


🔥 Unlocking New Possibilities: The Ginger Compress for Stagnation
Today we introduce the Ginger Compress, a warming traditional therapy for stiffness and stagnation. Ginger’s active compounds boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and provide gentle, penetrating heat. Used only on non-spinal muscle areas, it can help ease deep tension and bring comforting relief. Try it and note any shifts in mobility or comfort.

Lori Verton
Nov 24, 20254 min read


Understanding Arachnoiditis and Spinal Cord Stimulators: A Comprehensive Guide
Spinal cord stimulators are often promoted as an option for chronic pain, but their effectiveness in adhesive arachnoiditis is far more complex. This series explores what current evidence really shows, how paddle and percutaneous systems differ, the risks patients should understand, and how new technology may — or may not — change outcomes for those living with severe nerve root inflammation and scarring.
EveBlackburn
Nov 22, 20254 min read


🥣 The Miso Foundation: Calming Inflammation from the Inside Out
In this week’s post, we explore Miso Soup—the cornerstone of macrobiotic healing and a powerful, accessible tool for well-being. Rich in probiotics and nutrients, miso supports the gut-brain axis, reduces inflammation, and promotes internal balance. Learn the science behind its calming effects and try a simple daily recipe to gently support your body and mood.

Lori Verton
Nov 22, 20253 min read


Beyond the Diagnosis: Reclaiming Your Well-being with Mind-Body Wisdom
Living with Adhesive Arachnoiditis can feel overwhelming. While research continues, healing isn’t only about future treatments—there are practical ways to support your well-being right now. Our new series, Unlocking New Possibilities, explores simple mind-body tools, gentle movement, breathwork, and holistic practices to help you feel more balanced, calm, and empowered each day.

Lori Verton
Nov 21, 20254 min read


Advice from an Experienced ArachWarrior: Improving Control of the Symptoms of Arachnoiditis
By By Lori Verton Arachnoiditis and Chronic Meningitis Collaborative Research Network (ACMCRN). _________________________________ Who...

Lori Verton
Oct 8, 20258 min read


Painageddan: My first hand account of surviving a Pain Crisis and latest, ongoing flare.
Educational Article for Peer Support : Navigating Acute CrisisI . Introduction : Strategy in the Worst State I am sharing a raw,...

Lori Verton
Oct 4, 20258 min read


Is It More Than Arachnoiditis? Understanding Spinal CSF Leaks
Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, the cause of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH), share many symptoms with Arachnoiditis and are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. The hallmark sign is a positional headache that worsens when standing and eases when lying down, but symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and nausea are also common. Awareness is essential for faster diagnosis and effective treatment options such as bedrest, epidural blood patches, or surgery.
EveBlackburn
Sep 16, 20253 min read


Bulletin #4 Exercises for the Prevention of Foot and Leg Paralysis and CSF Flow
The Tennant Foundation provides simple daily exercises to help individuals with adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) maintain mobility, prevent foot and leg paralysis, and support healthy spinal fluid flow. These include standing stretches, ankle and leg movements, walking with arm swings, rocking exercises, and deep breathing. Regular walking is emphasized as the most important activity to improve spinal fluid circulation and overall neurologic function.
EveBlackburn
Sep 16, 20251 min read


New Hope for Adhesive Arachnoiditis: Study Shows Deterioration Can Be Stopped
This report presents findings from a study of 45 participants with MRI-documented Adhesive Arachnoiditis (AA). The primary goal was to identify causes of clinical deterioration and find measures to stop or slow it. The study concludes that AA is not a hopeless or untreatable disease and that its deterioration can be contained, controlled, and even reversed.
EveBlackburn
Sep 16, 20253 min read
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