The Cause Of Spine Infections
Usually, infections in the spine are bacterial, however viral and fungal infections are possible and originate in the bloodstream and carry to the spine. Intravenous drug users, elderly, and immunocompromised patients are most at risk of spinal infection. There are a variety of other risks, including but not limited to: history of organ transplant, post-surgery infections, poor nutrition and/or obesity, diabetes, use of steroids, and cancer.
Spinal Infection Symptoms
Symptoms of a spine infection grow slowly over time. It is not uncommon for infections to go unnoticed for several months, leading to a potential delayed diagnosis. It is important for patients to know and recognize the symptoms and early warning signs to prevent more serious problems from occurring. Symptoms that follow this usually include: tenderness in the back and neck, neck stiffness, chills, fever, pain that intensifies with movement and does not get better with rest and/or medications, redness and swelling at the site of infection, sudden unexplained weight loss, pain specifically at night, incontinence, numbness, weakness or tingling in the legs and arms, and severe back pain and limited mobility (usually progresses overtime.)
As with any disease, symptoms and intensity may differ between patients and progress and various rates.
Diagnosing Spine Infections
Our team of expert physicians will use a variety of tests to give an accurate and proper diagnosis to effectively treat infections in the spine. They may use any combination of the following:
- X-RAY: early stage diagnostic showing any deterioration of bone and/or a loss of disc height.
- MRI: measures the health of bones and surrounding tissue.
- LAB TESTS: examines white blood cell count and reveals inflammation, also known as the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test and the C-reactive Protein (CRP) test.
- CT SCANS: uses images of the spine or affected area to make a diagnosis
- BONE SCANS: detects infections or abscesses along the spine.
