Discitis osteomyelitis

Discitis osteomyelitis, or vertebral osteomyelitis, is a spine infection in the discs of the spinal cord. The infection causes inflammation that leads to considerable discomfort.

Getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is essential to prevent complications and manage the infection effectively.

What is discitis osteomyelitis?

Discitis osteomyelitis is an infection affecting the discs within the spinal cord. Typically, bacterial infections are the primary culprits behind discitis osteomyelitis.

There are instances where fungal infections originating from other regions can also cause discitis. Additionally, direct trauma or spinal surgery may lead to infection in certain cases.

Discitis osteomyelitis may form in the sacrum region of the spine, positioned below the lumbar spine (lower back) and connected to the pelvis. This is referred to as sacral osteomyelitis. A telling sign of discitis is lower back pain.

Furthermore, vertebral osteomyelitis can also emerge in the lumbar region, situated at the lower part of the spine just above the sacrum. When the infection is in the lumbar spine, it’s called lumbar discitis.

How does it differ from a regular spinal infection?

Despite displaying symptoms that mirror spinal infections, discitis osteomyelitis differs due to its distinctive location and what is causing it.

Contrary to general spinal infections that may result from bacteria, fungi or viruses, discitis is mostly caused by bacterial infections. In contrast to a typical spinal infection that can manifest anywhere along the spine, discitis specifically targets the intervertebral discs.

Causes and risk factors of discitis osteomyelitis

Bacterial infections are the primary cause of vertebral osteomyelitis. Common bacteria responsible for spinal infections include:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus species
• Escherichia coli

These infections can occur when bacteria enter the spine through various sources, such as infections that are transported through the bloodstream, surgical procedures or direct trauma to the spine.

Several risk factors increase the risk of getting discitis osteomyelitis. People with diabetes or autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk of infections in the spine.

In some cases, bacterial pathogens can spread from other parts of the body through the bloodstream and reach the spine. Dental procedures or urinary tract infections are examples of potential sources that can lead to a spinal infection.

Signs and symptoms of discitis osteomyelitis

The most telling symptom of discitis osteomyelitis is persistent back pain in a specific area that gets worse with movement or pressure. You may also notice swelling or tenderness around the infected disc.

Other common discitis osteomyelitis symptoms include:

• Back pain that doesn’t get better by taking pain relievers, applying heat or resting
• Fever
• Numbness and tingling
• Weakness
• Weight loss

If you have a fever accompanied by back pain, schedule an appointment with your Aurora Health Care spine specialist. This is a good indicator of an infection in the spine.

In some cases, disc inflammation can cause a spinal abscess, a pocket of pus on the spinal cord. If you have a spinal abscess, you may feel weakness or numbness in the legs and arms, trouble maintaining balance or changes in bowel or bladder function.

Diagnosing discitis osteomyelitis

Getting a diagnosis for discitis osteomyelitis follows a path like any infection. Your physician will conduct a physical examination and carefully assess your symptoms and medical history.

In the diagnosis of discitis osteomyelitis, blood tests play a pivotal role. These tests reveal indicators of an infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count or heightened levels of protein in the blood.

An MRI is also an effective tool your Aurora provider may use to diagnose discitis osteomyelitis. This digital imaging test allows your provider to see the affected area thoroughly and pinpoint any infection or inflammation in the spine.

Treatment options for discitis osteomyelitis

Multiple treatment options exist for discitis osteomyelitis. Treatment plans may include antibiotics and surgical procedures in certain situations, depending on the severity of the infection and specific circumstances.

Antibiotics are the most common treatment option for discitis osteomyelitis. These medications attack the bacteria causing the infection and help prevent its spread. The type of antibiotics your provider may prescribe depends on factors like the bacteria type causing the infection, drug sensitivity and potential allergies to specific antibiotics.

For cases where antibiotics prove insufficient in offering relief, or in more severe instances, surgery may be necessary.