Most of us have had back pain at some point in our lives. It could be from lifting heavy weights, sitting in the wrong position, or just being tired. But if your back pain is getting worse day by day, and you feel like you're getting a fever and chills, don't ignore it as just a normal backache. Because, although very rare, it could be a sign of a spinal infection. These can be very dangerous, so let's be aware of this.
What are these spinal infections?
Simply put, a spinal infection is an infection of the spinal column or surrounding tissues caused by bacteria or fungi. Our spine is made up of a series of small bones (called vertebrae) that are stacked on top of each other. This infection can affect the bones of the spine, the discs between the bones, or the membranes that surround the spine.
Imagine that you have an infection in the space between your vertebrae. You may experience severe back pain, fever, weight loss, and difficulty urinating. These are serious conditions, so if you have any concerns, it is important to see your doctor right away to get a proper diagnosis. Otherwise, you may end up with irreversible damage to your spine and surrounding structures.
Let's now look at some of the main types of these infections.
1. Osteomyelitis
This is a type of spinal infection that is common in adults. It is sometimes called `(Spondylodiscitis)`. This is when the bones of the spine, called vertebrae, become infected. It can also spread to the cushions between the bones (intervertebral discs).
What are the reasons for this?
This condition can be caused by bacteria, parasites, or fungi entering the spinal cord. There are several ways that these germs can enter:
- Surgery: For example, after spinal surgery, an infection can enter through the spinal metalwork that is inserted at that time.
- Spread from surrounding tissues: If there is an infection in the tissues around the spine , it can spread to the spinal cord.
- Spread through the blood: An infection elsewhere in the body (e.g., skin, lungs) can travel through the blood and settle in the spinal cord.
What are the symptoms?
The main and sometimes only symptom of this is back pain. It is characterized by severe pain that worsens especially at night and does not subside with any rest . It is felt most severely at night when you are trying to sleep after working all day.
This disease is often difficult to diagnose because it is usually only painful. However, if the infection compresses the spinal cord , it can cause problems such as difficulty moving the limbs and a feeling of numbness.
Treatment and diagnosis
If your doctor suspects this condition, they may order the following tests.
| Test | What are you looking at? (Purpose) |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | Check for infection in the body (white blood cell count). |
| X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan | Check to see how far the infection has spread, whether an abscess has formed, and whether there is bone damage. |
Treatment is determined based on the results of these tests. This can usually be treated with a long course of antibiotics. However, if there are other complications, such as spinal instability, surgery may be necessary.
2. Discitis
Between the two vertebrae, which I mentioned earlier, there is a jelly-like area. We call this the intervertebral disc. It's like the shock absorbers in a car, absorbing the pressure on the spine. Discitis is when that disc becomes infected and swells. Some doctors believe that Osteomyelitis and Discitis are two stages of the same disease .
Reasons for this
This is also an infection that can occur after surgery or spontaneously. It is mainly caused by the bacteria `Staphylococcus aureus`. In addition, other types of bacteria such as `Streptococcus` can also be the cause.
Imagine someone has a urinary tract infection or pneumonia. These infections can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the back of the head. This condition is more likely to occur in people with other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms and complications
A person with discitis may experience symptoms such as fever, chills, and pain when moving the spine, which may radiate to other parts of the body (such as the legs). This condition can also occur in infants and young children. It can also cause spinal deformities and neurological problems.
Treatment
This is also treated with antibiotics and sometimes spinal bracing. If the infection is severe, surgery may be necessary. This surgery involves something called debridement. This means surgically removing and cleaning the infected tissue.
3. Meningitis - inflammation of the brain
Meningitis, or as we all know it, meningitis, is a condition that can be very dangerous if not treated properly. It is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can spread very quickly.
Reasons for this
It is not only caused by germs. It can also be caused by certain medications and medical conditions. But it is most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Whatever the cause, meningitis is a serious condition that affects the brain.
Symptoms
As with any common viral infection, fever and body aches (myalgias) may occur first. Then, symptoms typical of meningitis appear.
| Symptoms of Meningitis | |
|---|---|
| Main features | |
| |
| When the brain is affected (severe case) | |
|
Diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose this, the doctor will do blood tests and throat swabs. But the most important test is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. This involves taking a small amount of fluid from your spine (called a lumbar puncture) and testing it for protein, glucose, and cell counts. This can help determine the cause of the infection (whether it's bacteria or a virus).
Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency! The patient should be hospitalized immediately and given antibiotics and corticosteroids. Viral meningitis usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Antiviral medications are given to treat the symptoms and, if necessary, to treat the infection.
Take-Home Message
- Never ignore back pain that is not like a normal backache, but is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, and weight loss .
- Although spinal infections are rare, they can be very serious.
- Osteomyelitis, Discitis, and Meningitis are some of the main types. Each of them can have different symptoms.
- Seeing a doctor quickly and getting an accurate diagnosis is the best way to prevent permanent damage.
- Never go for treatment on your own. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
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