Nerve root clumping is usually indicative of arachnoiditis, a painful, progressive spinal condition. Please research arachnoiditis.

Arachnoiditis is inflammation of the the leptomeninges (arachnoid and pia mater). These structures wrap the surface of the brain and spinal cord. When they are inflamed, whatever the underlying cause, gadolinium injection during an MRI scan causes enhancement of the leptomeninges on T1 weighted images.

Many different health problems may cause arachnoiditis (from tuberculosis to carcinomatosis to autoimmune diseases).

So, strictly speaking, arachnoiditis on an MRI means the leptomeninges enhance.

The most reliable method of establishing the diagnosis of arachnoiditis is a positive computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, combined with one or more of the symptoms.

Treatment for arachnoiditis is mostly done with medications, and is geared toward reducing the inflammation and alleviating pain. Medications may include both nonsteroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Typical symptoms of spinal arachnoiditis include back pain that increases with activity, pain in one or both legs or feet, and sensory abnormalities of some type, usually involving decreased reflexes.