Hi Kev
Service with a smile, I hopeB)
The Doc speaks:
Sorry not to have answered your query sooner.
In essence, having clumped nerve roots adherent ot the dura is a form of tethering but isn't quite the same as spinal cord tethering as such.
As the adhesions thicken and take up more of the subarachnoid space, the spinal fluid (CSF) flow can be impeded which gives local symptoms at the affected spinal level and sometimes more widespread effects including upper body symptoms (pain, pins and needles, weakness, loss of sensation)and also postural headaches, which are like being hit over the back of the head when you sit up.
Scar tissue outside the dura (Peri or epidural) can compress the dura.
So you could have two different problems. Imagine the spinal canal is like a hosepipe, the walls of the pipe are the dura. If the hose got filled with muddy water, the mud might start coating the inside and build up to form a blockage. This will impair water flow. Also, if the pipe is coiled up and then something heavy put on top, that would put pressure on the outside of the hose and could compress it that way. Those are the two different effects of scar tissue.
'Flat back syndrome' is rather different: a bony mechanical problem where the normal curves in the back are flattened and this can cause muscular effects: the dynamics of the spinal column from neck downwards are all affected and you can get shooting pains as you describe. You might also find you get headaches, neck pain, upper body pain, band-like feeling around the chest, maybe even abdominal pain and then of course the lower back symptoms which can radiate to your legs.
IN addition, you are likely to have chronic pain syndrome which can cause widespread pain and things like trapped wind, urge to empty your bladder/bowels, headaches etc. can be a lot more painful than normal.
So it's quite a complex picture.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Sarah
MMMM:angry:
Not heard of \"Flat Back Syndrome before. I need an article!!! Some of those symptoms are quite common. Will be pushing for more.
KimB)