03, April 2025

Spinal Infections: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

Spinal infections are serious health conditions that arise in the bones, discs, or spinal cord. They can lead to severe pain, nerve damage, or paralysis if they are not diagnosed and treated on time. Spinal infections can be detected early and treated by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What is a Spinal Infection?

Spinal infection is an infection of any part of the spine, such as the spinal bones (vertebrae), spinal discs, or the spinal cord. It is otherwise called a spinal cord infection or vertebral osteomyelitis if it happens in the bones. Infection within the spinal discs is known as discitis, while infection in the spinal cord can lead to such diseases as spinal abscesses.

These infections can be severe, bacterial, fungal, or viral, and can spread through the bloodstream, direct extension from another infected body part, or postoperative dissemination.

Causes of Spinal Infections

Spinal infections are most often caused by fungi and bacteria that invade the spine through various mechanisms. Some of the causes are:

1. Bloodstream Infections (Hematogenous Spread)

Bacteria from the remainder of the body can enter the bloodstream and infect the spine. This is one of the most common causes of spinal infection. Those with compromised immunity, diabetes, or chronic illness are more susceptible.

2. Direct Infection Due to Surgery or Trauma

Infections of the spine can occur after spine surgery in the event of bacterial invasion of the surgical site. Infection also occurs after open fractures, wounds, or injections given in the vicinity of the spine.

3. Spread from Infections Nearby

Infections in the adjacent area, i.e., a urinary tract infection or a skin infection, can get transmitted to the spine if left untreated.

4. Tuberculosis of the Spine (Pott's Disease)

Tuberculosis bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) can infect the spine and lead to a slowly progressing infection called Pott's disease. It is more common in developing countries and requires extended treatment.

5. Fungal and Viral Infections

Fungal infections, though rare, can lead to spinal infections, especially in those with weak immune systems. Viruses like HIV can also make a person susceptible to spinal infections.

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Infections

Spinal infections can take a while to manifest, and the signs may not be evident immediately. But as the infection progresses, it can cause severe pain and complications.

1. Chronic Back Pain

Persistent back pain that is not alleviated by rest is one of the earliest indicators of a spinal infection. The pain is typically severe, deep, and worsens over time, in contrast to usual back pain.

2. Fever and Chills

Since infections cause inflammation and immune responses, fever and chills are the common presentations of spinal infections. If you develop fever without cause, along with back pain, you need to consult a physician.

3. Weakness or Numbness in the Limbs

If the infection is on the spinal cord, it can compress the nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and legs. It can progress to walking problems or paralysis if not treated.

4. Painful Movement or Spinal Bending

A spinal infection can prevent movement by acute pain and stiffness. Patients will experience plenty of pain trying to bend, stand, or even sit.

5. Unintentional Weight Loss

Persistent infection like tuberculosis of the spine (Pott's disease) can cause loss of appetite and unintended weight loss.

6. Night Sweats

Some infections in the spine, especially tuberculosis infection, can cause excessive night sweats.

7. Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control

If the infection in advanced cases pressurizes the spinal cord, there is loss of bladder or bowel control, which is an emergent medical condition that requires urgent intervention.

How is Diagnosis of Spinal Infections Done?

When the doctors suspect a spinal infection, they will perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

Physicians will ask about symptoms, history, recent surgery, or infection. A physical exam will look for tenderness, pain, or neurological impairment.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests such as Complete Blood Count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) aid in detecting infection and inflammation. Blood cultures can also be performed to determine the causative bacteria of the infection.

3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI is the best imaging examination to diagnose spinal infection. MRI gives excellent visualization of the spinal elements and aids in identifying the site of infection.

4. X-Rays and CT Scans

X-rays may be used to scan for damage to bone in older infections. A CT scan will also offer clearer images of bones.

5. Biopsy of the Infected Area

A biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue from the infected area and examining it to determine what specific bacteria or fungus caused the infection. This allows physicians to choose the proper treatment.

Read Also: Types Of Spinal Cord Injury

Treatment of Spinal Infections

Spinal infection treatment varies with the severity of the infection and the causative organism.

1. Antibiotic Treatment

Doctors treat bacterial spinal infections with intravenous (IV) antibiotics for a few weeks. The antibiotics are then continued orally for a few months. Antibiotics used in such cases are:

2. Antifungal or Tuberculosis Treatment

If it is fungal, antifungal drugs are employed. For spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease), prolonged anti-TB drugs are given for 6-9 months.

3. Pain Management

Pain and discomfort are managed by physicians with painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants.

4. Rest and Immobilization

The patient might have to wear a cervical collar or back brace to stabilize the spine during healing. The infection should be permitted to heal by resting.

5. Surgery in Extreme Cases

Surgery is done if infection results in severe harm to the spine, spinal abscesses, or compression of nerves. Spinal infection surgery is done by a Delhi spine surgeon or experts to drain pus, remove infected tissue, and stabilize the spine with rods or screws.

Best Spine Surgeons in Delhi for Spinal Infections

If you want the top spine surgeon in Delhi for spinal infection surgery, there are several best-rated surgeons and hospitals that provide the latest surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Spinal surgeons in Delhi are well equipped to manage complex spinal infections by utilizing the newest modalities such as minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) for speedy recovery.

Recovery and Prevention of Spinal Infections

A successful recovery from a spinal infection depends on proper treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence.

1. Complete the Full Course of Treatment

If given antibiotics or anti-TB drugs, complete the treatment to avoid recurrence of the infection.

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

Proper cleanliness of the surgical sites and good hand hygiene avoid the infection from transferring to the spine.

3. Monitor Underlying Medical Conditions

Diabetes and immunocompromised predispose the individual to infection. Its control avoids spinal infections.

4. Refrain from Unnecessary Injections and Surgeries

Improperly sterilized needles or operations are bound to lead to infections. Obtain medical procedures from well-run clinics or hospitals at all times.

5. Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups, particularly after operation or infection, help in the early detection of spinal infections and prevention of complications.

Conclusion

Spinal infections must never be taken lightly and should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Repeated back aches, fever, or neurological aches call for an immediate consultation with the doctor. With proper antibiotics, painkillers, and in a few instances, surgery for spinal infection, the majority of the patients recover well. To receive professional treatment, meet the best spine doctor in Delhi to receive better treatment procedures. Precautions and keeping your overall health in a better position can also prevent spinal infections in the future.

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | April 03, 2025 | 9 Min Read