Discitis osteomyelitis

Discitis osteomyelitis, also known as vertebral osteomyelitis, is inflammation and infection in one of the discs in the spine. This condition is considered a type of spinal infection, which can lead to significant pain and discomfort for individuals affected by it.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further complications and manage the infection effectively.

At Advocate Health Care, our Brain & Spine Institute offers convenient locations throughout Chicagoland. Our team of spine specialists are committed to providing you with compassionate care for discitis osteomyelitis.

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What is discitis osteomyelitis?

Discitis osteomyelitis is an infection to the vertebral discs in the spinal cord. A bacterial infection is more commonly the cause of discitis osteomyelitis.

However, fungal infections that spread to the spine from other parts of the body can also be a cause. In some cases, it may result from direct trauma or spinal surgery.

The infection can be in the sacrum region of the spine, located below the lumbar spine (lower back) and connected to the pelvis. This is referred to as sacral osteomyelitis, and its telling sign is lower back pain.

Vertebral osteomyelitis can also form in the lumbar region, located at the bottom of the spine just above the sacrum. This is known as lumbar discitis.

How does it differ from a regular spinal infection?

Although symptoms can be like regular spinal infections, discitis osteomyelitis is different due to its specific location and what’s causing the infection.

While a spinal infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi or a virus, discitis primarily arises from bacterial infections. Unlike a regular spinal infection that can occur anywhere in 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.

Some 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

One of the primary indicators of discitis osteomyelitis is persistent back pain, particularly in the affected area. This pain may worsen with movement or pressure on the spine. Additionally, you may experience localized tenderness and swelling around the affected disc.

Other common discitis osteomyelitis symptoms include:

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

If you have a fever accompanied by back pain schedule an appointment with your Advocate Health Care provider as this is a good indication of a potential spinal infection.

In some cases, disc inflammation can lead to the formation of a spinal abscess, a pocket of pus on the spinal cord. This can cause additional symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty walking or maintaining balance and changes in bowel or bladder function.

Diagnosing discitis osteomyelitis

Diagnosing discitis osteomyelitis has a similar path as any infection. Your doctor will do a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history.

Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing discitis osteomyelitis. These tests uncover specific markers or indicators of infection, such as elevated white blood cell count or increased levels of protein.

One of the most effective tools in detecting disc inflammation is digital imaging, such as an MRI. This digital imaging test allows your provider to visualize the affected area and identify any signs of infection or inflammation.

Treatment options for discitis osteomyelitis

There are various discitis treatment options available. The treatment approach typically involves antibiotics and surgical procedures, depending on the infection's severity and specific circumstances.

Antibiotics play a crucial role in the treatment of disc infections. They kill the infection and prevent its spread to other areas. The choice of antibiotics is determined by factors such as the type of bacteria causing the infection, drug sensitivity and if you have an allergy to certain types of antibiotics.

In more severe cases or when antibiotics fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be necessary.