Spinal Infections
Description
This is an infection most often caused by staphylococcus or E. coli bacteria. It may involve the bones, discs and soft tissues of your spine. It can start in one area of your spine and spread to other parts. It can cause pain and other problems.
Animations
Spinal Infections
Causes & Triggers
A spinal infection can result from traumatic injury or from spinal surgery. These can introduce harmful bacteria directly to your spine. Some spinal infections start in other areas of your body. Bacteria from a pelvic infection, for example, can travel through your bloodstream to your spine. It can infect and weaken your spinal discs. It can spread through your vertebrae, causing your bones to deteriorate. This allows your vertebrae to shift out of alignment, which puts pressure on your nerve roots.
- Bacteria
- Compromised immune system (HIV infection, cancer)
- Fungal organisms
- Post-surgical complication
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include pain, fever and chills. You may have muscle spasms. You may lose weight. As the infection progresses, you may experience other problems.
- Drainage
- Fever
- Numbness
- Pain
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Sweating
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Tingling
- Warmth
- Weakness
Tips & Treatment
Treatment options may include medications, rest and a back brace to support your spine. If these methods are not effective, you may benefit from a surgical procedure.
- Infection may occur in up to 10 percent of all surgical patients.
- Non-surgical treatment often requires intravenous antibiotic or anti fungal medications and therapies.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary in order to maintain or restore spine stability and/or remove infected tissue.
