Definition of Dura Mater

The dura mater is one of three layers that make up the meninges, which is a protective membrane system that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The meninges are located between the skull and the brain and between the vertebrae and the spinal cord. The dura mater is the outermost layer of the three and is relatively tough and inflexible. It covers the arachnoid mater, which covers the pia mater.

What Purpose Does the Dura Mater Serve?

The dura mater plays a variety of important supportive and protective roles. It carries blood from the brain back to the heart and helps support the dural sinuses. It protects the two interior layers of the meninges, in addition to the central nervous system. The dura mater also envelopes the spinal nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord, so any pressure that is applied to the dura will, in turn, affect these nerves. Pressure sources can include:

• Tumors
• Hematomas
• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Bone spurs
• Spondylolisthesis
• Congenital deformities

Treatment Options

If your doctor confirms that you are suffering from neural compression due to a degenerative spine condition, he or she may prescribe a conventional treatment regimen that includes analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hot-cold compresses, or behavior modification. If weeks or months of these methods fail to offer you the pain relief you require, Laser Spine Institute may be able to help. We specialize in a variety of minimally invasive procedures that utilize state-of-the-art endoscopic technology aimed at releasing neural compression. Contact us today for a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan and find out if you could be a candidate.