Spinal infections

Spinal cord infections are exactly what they sound like – infections that occur in the spine. While spinal infections are rare, they can be destructive when they occur if you do not get prompt medical attention.

At Aurora Health Care, our expert spinal care team uses the latest treatments and diagnosis testing to promptly treat spinal cord infections.

Spinal infection causes

There are several causes of spinal infection. They can occur as a result of bacteria or fungi entering the spine through various means such as a blood infection, direct injury or trauma to the spine, infection after a previous surgery or even from nearby infected tissues.

When an infection spreads to the spine, it can weaken the bones and cause them to collapse and press against the spinal cord. An untreated spinal infection may cause the deformed vertebrae to fuse, press against the nerve roots and lead to continuous pain as it worsens.

It's important to note that while spinal infections can be serious, they are rare compared to other types of infections. However, early detection and proper treatment are necessary for preventing further complications.

Risk factors for spinal infections

You’re more likely to have a spinal infection if you have one of the following risk factors:

• A compromised immune system
• Autoimmune disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Intravenous drug use
• Long-term use of steroids
• Organ transplants

Types of spinal infections and their characteristics

There are different types of spinal infections, such as discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess. Each type has its own characteristics and treatment approaches.

Spinal infections can be broadly categorized into bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Additionally, there are inflammatory conditions that don’t accompany an infection that may mimic the symptoms of spinal infections.

The types of spinal infections include:

• Bacterial spinal infections: This type of spine infection is typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus and E-coli. The bacteria enter the spine through various means such as bloodstream infection or direct contamination during surgery. These infections often manifest as discitis (inflammation of discs between the vertebrae), vertebral osteomyelitis (infection in the bones) or epidural abscesses (collection of pus in the epidural space).
• Fungal spinal infections: Although less common than bacterial ones, this type of infection can occur in individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have undergone invasive procedures. Fungi such as Candida or Aspergillus may invade the spine and cause conditions like fungal discitis or vertebral osteomyelitis.
• Viral spinal infections: This type of spine infection is rare but can still pose significant health risks. Viruses like herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can lead to conditions such as meningitis or radiculitis affecting the nerves around the spine.

Not all conditions mimicking spinal infection are infectious in nature. Noninfectious inflammatory conditions or autoimmune disorders may present symptoms like those seen in spinal infections.

Accurate diagnosis through thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic tests is necessary to differentiate between infectious and noninfectious causes.

Symptoms and signs of spinal infections

Understanding the signs associated with spinal infections can help your provider give appropriate care.

Symptoms of spinal infections may vary depending on the type of infection and its severity. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent back pain that worsens over time, especially at night or with movement
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stiffness in the neck or back

Seek immediate medical care if you are experiencing or have:

• Severe pain that limits daily activities or disrupts sleep
• Neurological deficits such as weakness or numbness in the limbs
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
• Unexplained fever accompanied by back pain
• Recent history of infection or surgery near the spine
• A compromised immune system

Identifying these symptoms and recognizing the signs can aid in early diagnosis and timely intervention for spinal infections. Prompt medical care is essential to prevent further complications and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Diagnosing spinal infections

Diagnosing spinal infections requires a comprehensive approach that involves various tests and procedures.

Your provider will perform a physical exam, discuss your symptoms and review your medical history. If they believe you have a spinal infection, they will employ a range of diagnostic tests to accurately identify the type of spinal infection and develop a treatment plan.

Imaging tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis of spinal infections. Tests such as X-rays, MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of the spine, allowing your provider to see any abnormalities or signs of infection.

In addition to imaging tests, blood tests or a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) may be performed. A lumbar puncture involves collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lower back (lumbar spine) through a needle. The collected fluid is then analyzed for signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell count or presence of bacteria or fungi.

Treatment options for spinal infections

Treatment options for spinal infections typically involve a combination of antibiotics and surgical procedures.

Medications are often prescribed to treat spinal infections; however, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Antibiotics play a vital role in treating spinal infections caused by bacteria but won’t work on viral or fungal spinal infections. The specific choice of antibiotics will depend on the type of infection and bacteria.

Viral spinal infections are treated with antiviral medications, while infections caused by fungi are treated with antifungal medications.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address severe or persistent spinal infections. Surgical procedures aim to remove infected tissue, drain abscesses, stabilize the spine and promote healing.

It’s essential to consult with your provider to pinpoint the type of infection so they can develop an appropriate treatment plan for your spinal infection.