Spine infection (vertebral osteomyelitis or discitis)

Overview

Red flags: back pain with fever, IV drug use, or recent infection.

Bacteria spread to the spine through the blood.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Constant back pain

Less common

• Fever
• Night pain
• Night sweats

Look up a symptom: Fever

When to get medical care

Causes

Bacteria.

Does it spread or run in families?

• The illness itself usually isn't passed to others, but some germs that cause it can spread.
• Washing hands often helps.

Who is more likely to get it

• IV drug use
• Diabetes

Possible complications

• Spinal cord compression or damage (myelopathy): From an abscess

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• MRI:
• Blood tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Take all antibiotics
• Rest

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat infections quickly

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People who inject drugs or have diabetes: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most recover with long antibiotics.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Spine infection (vertebral osteomyelitis or discitis)