Spinal Infections

• Preventing Permanent Neurological Damage

  Spinal infections can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots leading to conditions like paralysis, sensory loss, muscle weakness, etc. Early detection reduces the likelihood of irreversible neurological damage.

• Prevents Spinal Alignment & Function

  Weakening of vertebrae can result from infections leading to various spinal conditions. Early intervention helps preserve spinal alignment and function.

• Limit the Spread of Infection 

  Acting early and seeking the right treatment prevents the infection from spreading to other surrounding tissues and organs.

• Reduced Need for Surgery

   Identifying the issue at the early stage can eliminate the need for invasive treatments, thus minimising the risk and reducing the recovery time.

• Enhanced Quality of Life 

  Timely care can help with alleviating severe pain, maintain mobility & independence and prevent severe disability.

• Vertebral Osteomyelitis

   This is the most common form of spinal infection. The infection occurs on the vertebra and causes symptoms including, severe back pain, fever, muscle spasm, etc.

• Discitis

   Discitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc which divides vertebrae. The discs become inflamed due to the infection. People with discitis may also experience fever, decreased mobility, and pain in the affected disc. This type of infection has a connection to previous invasive treatments or spinal surgeries.

• Epidural Abscess

   The infection occurs between the lining of the spinal cord and the vertebrae. If left untreated epidural abscess infection can have neurological symptoms. The common symptoms of epidural abscess include back pain, fever, paralysis, etc.>

• Meningitis

   Meningitis is a condition when the protective membrane (tissues around the brain and spine) gets infected and inflamed. Meningitis can spread rapidly and can have serious complications if not treated properly.

• Prior Spinal Surgery

  Spinal infections can result from surgeries or invasive treatments, including urologic surgery, spinal fusion surgery, certain dental procedures, etc.

• Spinal Injury/Trauma:

  A traumatic injury to the spine can cause tissue damage, reduction in blood supply, open wounds, etc all of which make the spine more susceptible to infection.

• Other Bacterial or Viral Infection

  Infections in other parts of the body may lead to spinal infections, either directly or indirectly. These infections can spread through the bloodstream, adjacent tissues, or as a result of direct inoculation.

• Back Pain

  Spinal infections can cause persistent, localized pain that gets worse while making movements.

• Fever & Chills

  Fever and chills might be experienced by individuals suffering from spinal infections, however, it may not be present in all cases.

• Swelling & Redness

  Spinal infections cause localised inflammation, redness, or pus around the surgical area.

• Neurological Deficits

  Infections can lead to compression of the spinal cord resulting in weakness, numbness, or tingling.

• Weight Loss

  Chronic infections like tuberculosis and others can cause unintended weight loss, unexplained fatigue, etc.

Other symptoms of spinal infections include reduction in mobility, weakness, loss of bowel function, problems urinating, etc.

• Medications

  Prescribed medications such as antibiotics and antifungal medicines can help reduce and eradicate the organisms causing infections. The effects of medications can be seen in 6–8 weeks.

• Physical Therapy

  Spinal infections may reduce mobility, physical therapies and exercises to help restore strength and range of motion.

• Surgical Treatments

  The necessity of surgery is determined by the severity of the symptoms. Surgical procedures are the recommended course of action when non-surgical treatments are insufficient to treat the infection. When infection destroys bone tissue, causes spinal instability or impairs movement or sensation surgery is performed. Laminectomy, kyphoplasty and other surgical procedures are used to treat spinal infections.