Spinal infection most commonly affects the disc and is known as discitis. It can occur at any age, though it is most common in immunocompromised patients. Infection can also spontaneously occur in the surrounding spinal muscles (e.g. a psoas abscess) or surrounding nerve space (epidural abscess).
Spinal infection can also occur following procedures including facet joint blocks or after spinal surgery.
Spinal infection presents commonly as increasing back or neck pain that is intense whether at rest or moving. It may also cause fevers or nerve irritation.
Treatment for infection usually involves obtaining a sample of the infection, antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
Seek early medical opinion if you think you may have a spinal infection.
