By Dr. Forest Tennant, PNN Columnist 

Adhesive Arachnoiditis (AA) is an inflammatory, nerve root entrapment disease in which cauda equina nerve roots are glued by adhesions to the arachnoid-dural covering of the spinal canal. An inflamed tumor-like mass is formed inside the spinal canal that blocks spinal fluid flow, allows seepage of fluid into tissue outside the spinal canal, and shuts off electrical impulses that activate the legs, feet, bladder, intestine and sex organs.  

Some specific exercises help neutralize the deleterious effects of AA and promote regeneration of damaged tissue.  We surveyed 40 persons with MRI-documented AA to determine which exercises they found most beneficial.

The top five are listed here in descending order of popularity. 

1. Water Soaking: It is no surprise this is No.1. Water soaking pulls out toxins and excess electricity and relaxes muscles. All types of water soaking are good: pool, jacuzzi, shower, tub, hot/wet towel. Epsom Salts in water mimic the mineral baths used therapeutically by ancient peoples. 

2. Massage: Kneading of back muscles causes any seepage of spinal fluid to mobilize and causes spinal fluid to keep moving around the AA blockage in the spinal canal. 

3. Walking: Nerve roots that activate the legs and feet can become so inflamed and entrapped that one can’t walk. Short daily walks are essential to prevent the development of paralysis and weakness. 

4. Arm & Leg Stretching: Entrapped nerve roots in the AA mass decrease the normal leg, arm, and foot fidgets and movements that occur every few minutes even while sleeping. Arm and leg stretching will keep the lower back muscles from contracting or shrinking which, over time, will increase back pain. 

5. Deep Breathing: Deep breathing and short breath-holds bring oxygen to the spinal canal to promote healing. It will also help keep spinal fluid moving. Deep breathing is best done while standing but it can be done while sitting and watching TV, driving, or eating. 

Other exercises compliment the AA medical treatment protocol. Besides those listed here, we also advocate light weightlifting, rocking, bicycling, and trampoline walking. 

Credit: Lynn Ashcraft did the data analysis of this survey. 

Forest Tennant, MD, DrPH, is retired from clinical practice but continues his research on the treatment of intractable pain and arachnoiditis. This column is adapted from a bulletin recently issued by the Arachnoiditis Research and Education Project. Readers interested in subscribing to the bulletins should click here.

Dr. Tennant’s new book, "Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Adhesive Arachnoiditis” is available on Amazon. 

The Tennant Foundation gives financial support to Pain News Network and sponsors PNN’s Patient Resources section.