Intradural Scar Tissue vs. Arachnoiditis

[cgn5266]

Is intradural scar tissue that remains after the removal of an intradural/extramedullary schwannoma the same as arachnoiditis?  How can you tell?  Can either begin to cause symptoms after more than a decade?  Please advise and thank you in advance.

[cgn5266]

MRI (4/09) showed possible clumping of nerve roots suggestive of arachnoiditis ... also posterior disk bulges at L4/5, L5/S1 and a dissecated disk at L4/5.  Went to neurosurgeon and ortho surgeons that believed it is scar tissue from removal of intradural/extramedullary tumor 15 years ago.  I had no further symptoms for 15 years but now at 45 have been having numbness in my lower left leg, bottom of toes, occassionally left buttock and spot in right calf.  No pain ... no weakness.  EMG notes a mild radiculopathy at L4/5, slight at L3/4, L5 S1.  I have been offered a nerve block but am hesitant in that I currently have no pain.  

I am concerned about constant inflammmation irritating the nerve roots at L3-S1 if I don't have the injection ... or is it better to wait until I am more symptomatic.

I am an avid cyclist and have no issues on the bike.  My issues mainly arise upon waking and after sitting all day.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Dr_Nassim]

Dear, Arachnoiditis is totally different from an intradural scar. after a decade you may have a recurrence of the schwan cells growth rather than a inflammation of the arachnoid matter.
did you did an MRI lastly?