Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Spinal Infection (Osteomyelitis)
1746877827
Spinal infection, also known as osteomyelitis, occurs when bacteria or fungi infect the bones of the spine. This often happens when bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or E. coli travel through the bloodstream from another part of the body, such as an open wound, a dental infection, or a urinary tract infection. Though less common, fungal infections can also cause spinal infections.
Certain factors can increase the risk, including: ✔️ Diabetes or a weakened immune system, which makes it harder to fight infections. ✔️ Recent spinal surgery, where bacteria can enter the surgical site. ✔️ IV drug use, which can introduce bacteria directly into the bloodstream.
Symptoms often include severe back pain, fever, and sometimes weakness or numbness if the infection spreads to nearby nerves. Early detection is critical to prevent complications like nerve damage or spinal instability.
Diagnosis typically involves: ✔️ Imaging tests, such as MRI, to check for infection and inflammation. ✔️ Blood tests, to look for signs of infection. ✔️ A biopsy, in some cases, to identify the exact bacteria or fungus causing the infection.
Treatment usually starts with antibiotics or antifungal medications, often taken for several weeks. If the infection is severe or does not respond to medication, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue and stabilize the spine with special hardware.
Early treatment is essential to prevent long-term pain, spinal deformity, or nerve damage. If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, fever, or weakness, seeking medical attention early can prevent serious complications and improve recovery. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is a spinal infection diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a spinal infection typically involves imaging tests like an MRI to detect infection and inflammation, blood tests to identify signs of infection, and sometimes a biopsy to determine the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection.
What are the common symptoms of a spinal infection?
Common symptoms of a spinal infection include severe back pain, fever, and sometimes weakness or numbness if the infection affects nearby nerves. Symptoms can develop gradually and may become more severe without treatment.
What are the potential complications of untreated spinal infections?
If left untreated, spinal infections can result in complications such as nerve damage, spinal instability, and chronic pain. Early treatment is crucial to prevent long-term issues like spinal deformity or neurological deficits. Therefore, seeking medical attention when symptoms appear is essential for a better recovery outcome.
What are the treatment options for spinal osteomyelitis?
Treatment typically involves several weeks of antibiotics or antifungal medications. In severe cases, or when medications fail to treat the infection adequately, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue and stabilize the spine using hardware.
What is spinal infection (osteomyelitis) and how does it develop?
A spinal infection, also known as osteomyelitis, occurs when bacteria or fungi infect the bones of the spine. This typically happens when bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or E. coli enter the bloodstream from another part of the body, for instance, from an open wound or a dental or urinary tract infection. Less commonly, fungal infections can also lead to spinal osteomyelitis.