Spinal infections are rare, but they are serious conditions. They can affect the intervertebral disk spaces, vertebrae, spinal canal and surrounding soft tissues.
If not treated promptly, these infections can lead to severe pain, neurological issues and even paralysis. The most common types of spinal infections include:
- Diskitis: infection of the intervertebral disk space
- Vertebral osteomyelitis: infection of the vertebrae
- Epidural abscess: infection in the spinal canal
Accessing the variety of specialists needed for spine care can be complicated. The UK HealthCare Comprehensive Spine Center makes it simple by bringing together a team of all the specialists you may need. Within one comprehensive program, you have access to all our specialties:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Interventional pain medicine
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Physical/occupational therapy
Symptoms of a spinal infection can vary widely but often include:
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Localized tenderness in the spine
- Neurological issues such as numbness, weakness or difficulty walking
- Severe back pain that worsens with movement
- Weight loss
Severe spinal infections can lead to a pocket of pus (abscess) developing. This abscess can compress the spinal cord and cause more serious symptoms.
If you suspect a spinal infection for any reason, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Bacteria, fungi or other pathogens can cause spinal infections. Common causes include:
- Bacterial infections: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterium responsible for spinal infections. It can enter the spine through the bloodstream from other infected areas. Or it can enter through direct inoculation during a procedure or trauma.
- Fungal infections: Although less common, fungi such as Candida or Aspergillus can cause spinal infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
A spinal infection is a medical emergency. Urgent or emergency treatment is usually needed once it is diagnosed. If you have symptoms of a spinal infection, get to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.
When you arrive at the UK Emergency Department, you will sign in at the Welcome Center or Information Desk. After you provide basic information, you will speak with a triage nurse who will discuss your symptoms with you and determine the type of treatment you need.
Either at the bedside or back at the front desk, you will begin the registration process by providing your personal information and your insurance or payment information.
In the emergency room, a spine specialist will evaluate you to determine the best treatment plan.