ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Interventions including surgery and epidural corticosteroid injections (ESI) should be avoided with Arachnoiditis. While we continue our path to ensuring that Arachnoiditis is studied and recognized by the medical community, we must do what we can to educate ourselves and our healthcare providers on the most current methods to treating Arachnoiditis. It is our hope that you will find the tools for success here. Be sure to bookmark this page as it will be updated as new information becomes available.
BLOOD HORMONE LEVELS
It’s recommended that you consult your physician before starting any new vitamins or supplements. It is also recommended that you ask your physician about testing your blood hormone levels before starting any hormone supplements.
The hormone test should include; cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone, testosterone.
Inflammatory Markers blood test should include: ESR, CRP, cytokines
Other blood testing should include blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Note: A hormone deficiency may cause increased impairments, pain, or both. An elevated inflammatory marker calls for more aggressive control of spinal canal inflammation.
Download and print this helpful bulletin on the necessary blood tests for AA
SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBAL REMEDIES
A good starting point is Bulletin 15 – 3 Component Treatment to Tackle AA – 2021
This is a great starting treatment for any stage of Arachnoiditis. It is a combination of both prescription medications and supplements to treat inflammation, regenerate tissue, and control pain.
Bullentin 15 - Three Component Treatment
Bulletin 27 – Another starting protocol, but has added dietary and physical measures
Bulletin 10- Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for treating pain and inflammation
Bulletin 69 – Acetazolamide for Headaches, Blurred Vision, and Dizziness
DIETARY MEASURES
The best diet for Arachnoiditis is a low carb, high protein diet. Stay away from processed sugars, foods that are known to cause inflammation such as cheese, eggs, and dairy, and high carbohydrate foods.
12 Foods That Heal the Inflamed Body
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy
Dr. Tennant from Arachnoiditis Hope did a wonderful 4 part series. Here are the links to the chronicles in pdf file form.
Chronicle 75 – Electromedical Therapy Part 1: Electric Current Therapy
Chronicle 76 – Electromedical Therapy Part 2: Electromagnetic
Chronicle 77 – Electromedical Therapy Part 3: Blockage And Retention
Chronicle 78 – Electromedical Therapy Part 4: Guidance
IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES
Please read bulletin 68 before considering risky invasive treatment options as they should only be considered as a last resort. Some people have great success with implanted devices, such as spinal cord stimulators and pain pumps, but it's highly recommended that you thoroughly research the device before making a decision and only have them implanted by a surgeon familiar with Arachnoiditis.
Bulletin 68 - PROTOCOL FIRST – THEN TRY NEW TREATMENTS
Pain Pump Do’s Don'ts and Things They Won’t Tell You by Eve Blackburn
What to do if you're in a flare
Adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) is a spinal canal inflammatory disease that can flare or progress at any time. You must build a “better and better” program to prevent flares and further deterioration. If you believe your AA is progressing and you are deteriorating, here are some steps we recommend
ESI'S and Epidurals
Epidural and epidural Corticosteroid Injections (ESI) are a no-no for Arachnoiditis patients. The FDA issued a black box warning, the strongest warning they issue, warning about the side effects, including Arachnoiditis. It's left up to the physician who is giving the injections to explain the warning to you, and they rarely do. Stay informed and stay away from ESI's.
