INFECTIONS OF THE SPINAL
Although spine infections are uncommon, they can have severe repercussions if they do occur. The disc, bones, or nerves can all be affected by spinal infections. Infections with bacteria, viruses, or fungi may be the reason. Spinal tuberculosis is the most prevalent kind of spinal infection.Usually, spinal infections are transmitted by blood. Discitis may result from bacteria that infiltrate the spinal discs and damage them. Following disc disintegration, osteomyelitis may result from the infection spreading into the vertebral bodies above and below the disc. The bone
may potentially start to crumble or collapse due to infection, resulting in spinal deformity. Neurologic symptoms including numbness, paralysis, tingling, pain, or problems with the bowels or bladder can occasionally be caused by infections or crumbling bones pushing into the spinal cord or nerves. Infections can result in spinal instability or spinal cord compression, which can damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis in the legs if they are not detected ea Initially, patients frequently complain of localized back or neck pain. At first, the pain is typically felt when moving, but with time, the patient begins to experience excruciating pain even when they are at rest or sleeping. The patient may experience a low-grade fever, appetite loss, weight loss, and leg weakness and numbness Iatrogenic spinal infections, which typically appear days to months after surgery, can also develop after spine surgery.
Making a diagnosis
To check for instability or bony destruction, we must obtain X-rays of the relevant area of the spine. To check for nerve compression or damage, an MRI of the spine is required. To precisely identify the infection site, we typically get MRIs with contrast enhancement. To track the effectiveness of treatment, blood workups such as blood cultures, hemograms, ESRs, CRPs, etc., are required.
Medical Intervention
The majority of spinal infections are treated conservatively with intravenous antibiotics and bed rest. Urgent surgery is typically required to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves in cases of spinal deformity, instability, or compression of the spinal cord or nerves.