Arachnoiditis (an inflammatory condition of the arachnoid mater or ‘arachnoid’) is a condition brought on by arachnoid inflammation (a persistent inflammation of the arachnoid mater and subarachnoid space). One of the membranes that envelops and shields the spinal cord’s nerves is the arachnoid (delicate membrane). Inflammation (a normal part of the body’s defense to injury or infection) of the arachnoid can result from: Chemical irritation. infection by viruses or bacteria.

Sciatica is a term for leg discomfort, achiness, numbness (a loss of feeling in a part of the body), or tingling (prickling sensation). It is brought on by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve (nerve starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg). Sciatica is a sign of a health issue. It is not a disease in and of itself.

Similarity

Both conditions cause painful situations.

Arachnoiditis

Arachnoiditis, an uncommon form of discomfort, is brought on by swelling and inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes/envelops termed as meninges surrounds and shields the spinal cord’s nerves.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a term for leg discomfort, achiness, numbness, or tingling. It is brought on by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a sign of a health issue. It is not a disease in and of itself.

Difference between arachnoiditis and sciatica

Definition

Arachnoiditis

It is an inflammatory condition (swelling) of the arachnoid mater or ‘arachnoid’

Sciatica

Sciatic nerve (nerve starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg) pain that radiates (travels) down one or both legs from the lower back.

Symptoms

Arachnoiditis

• Pain that is constant
• Jerking/tremors in legs
• Episodes of blurred vision
• Burning feet
• Intense episodes of heating/sweating
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Decreased range of motion in upper and lower extremities

Sciatica

• Pain
• Weakness
• Foot numbness
• Tingling in the leg
• Pins and needles

Causes

Arachnoiditis

• Complications from spinal surgery or multiple 
• Direct injury to your spine
• Chemicals
• Infection from bacteria or viruses
• Chronic compression of spinal nerves

Sciatica

• A herniated disc in the spine presses on the nerve
• Lumbar stenosis
• Irritation of lower spine
• Degenerative disc disease
• Bone spur

Diagnosis

Arachnoiditis

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT) myelogram
• Lumbar puncture
• Electromyogram (EMG)

Sciatica

• X-ray
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• CT scan
• Electromyography (EMG)

Summary

The points of difference between Arachnoiditis and Sciatica have been summarized as below:

FAQ:

Where is the pain located with arachnoiditis?

Arachnoiditis (an inflammatory condition of the arachnoid mater or ‘arachnoid’) can result in a variety of symptoms, including chronic (extremely bad) and persistent (constant) discomfort, numbness, tingling (pins-and-needles” sensation), and a distinctive stinging and burning pain (a type of pain that’s distinct from dull, stabbing pain) in the lower back or legs if it starts to interfere with the operation of one or more spinal nerves.

How do you rule out arachnoiditis?

A Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast to confirm the severity of the bacterial infection is one of the most popular. In relation to the damage you received, your doctor will also interview you and perform a clinical assessment.

How can you tell the difference between sciatica and sacroiliitis?

The buttocks (either of the 2 round fleshy parts of the man’s body that form the bottom), lower back, and hip all typically experience a dull aching (an aching sensation that may spread out over an area) as a result of sacroiliitis (an inflammation of the sacroiliac joint (SI)). In contrast, the key symptoms of sciatica (Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve), include leg pain, numbness (pins-and-needles” sensation) or weakness in the affected leg, as well as sharp, shooting, or burning lower back pain.

What can be misdiagnosed as sciatica?

The problem is, piriformis syndrome (a disorder in which the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve) is often mistaken for sciatica.

How do I know if I have arachnoiditis?

Arachnoiditis can result in a variety of signs and symptoms, including chronic and persistent (constant) discomfort, numbness (a loss of feeling in a part of the body), tingling (paresthesia), and a distinctive stinging (capable of wounding) and burning pain (stabbing or burning sensation) in the lower back or legs if it starts to interfere with the operation of one or more spinal nerves. 

What mimics arachnoiditis?

Tumors, infections, and problems with the lumbar spinal cord (the lower back region of the spine comprising of 5 vertebrae between the ribs and the pelvis), roots, plexus (a network of nerves or vessels in the body), and nerves are just a few of the pain syndromes (chronic pain syndrome) that might resemble arachnoiditis. All individuals suspected of having arachnoiditis should get a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine.

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