What is a Spinal infection?
What is a Spinal infection?A spinal infection is a rare but potentially serious condition where bacteria, fungi, or viruses attack the spinal cord or vertebrae. Left untreated, an infection in the spine can cause paralysis or even death.
A spine infection can occur in either the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves enclosed in the spinal canal, or in the vertebrae, the small bones that make up your spinal column (backbone). When the vertebrae (spinal bones) become infected it is called osteomyelitis.
It’s essential to get immediate treatment for a spinal cord infection or infection of the vertebrae.
Types of Spinal Infections
TypesThere are different types of spinal infections, including:
- Vertebral osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis can develop if the spine is exposed due to a traumatic injury, during surgery, or when bacteria spread from the bloodstream to the vertebrae. This is the most common form of spinal infection.
- Discitis. Discitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc space, the discs that separate the spinal vertebrae and provide a cushion. When an infection occurs, these spinal discs between the vertebrae become inflamed.
- Epidural abscess. A spinal epidural abscess is an infection that forms between the lining of your spinal cord and the bones of the spine (vertebrae). In severe cases, an epidural abscess can put pressure on your spinal cord and cause weakness. In some instances, it can even cause a spinal cord stroke.
- Meningitis. Meningitis occurs when the protective membranes covering the spinal cord and brain (meninges) are infected and inflamed. The type of infection can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious.
Signs & Symptoms of Spinal Infections
SymptomsDifferent types of spinal infection cause different symptoms. The most common symptom is pain around the infection site.
Other spinal infection symptoms may include:
- Swelling, redness, or pus around a surgical incision
- Severe back pain
- Fever and chills
- Loss of bowel function
- Problems urinating
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Numbness, tingling or other impaired sensations
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to a doctor at NewYork-Presbyterian for a diagnosis and treatment options.
What Causes Spinal Infections?
CausesSpinal infections occur when bacterial or fungal infections spread to the spine from elsewhere in the body, typically through the bloodstream.
How do you get a spinal infection?
There are many ways a fungal or bacterial infection can spread to the spinal cord or vertebrae, including from:
- Surgery. Infections can occur after a surgical procedure, including after spinal fusion surgery, urologic surgery, and some dental procedures.
- Traumatic injury to the spine.
- Other bacterial or viral infections that travel through the bloodstream.
Risk Factors
Risk FactorsBeyond having spinal surgery or trauma to the spine, there are other health factors that can raise your risk of developing a spinal infection, including:
- Autoimmune conditions which impact your immune system
- Taking immunosuppressants
- Advanced age
- Cancer
- Diabetes mellitus
- Intravenous drug use
- Malnutrition
- Smoking
- Obesity
Complications
ComplicationsRisk FactorsA spinal infection is considered to be a medical emergency. Untreated cases can cause serious complications and consequences, including:
- Compression of the spinal cord
- Spinal cord stroke
- Scarring of the spinal cord
- Severe to permanent nerve loss
- Paralysis
- Death
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Spinal Infection Care
If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of a spinal infection, seek medical help immediately. The doctors and spine care specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian can get you started on a treatment plan and place you on the road to recovery.
Contact the caring medical professionals at NewYork-Presbyterian to get help for a suspected spinal infection.