Discitis

A very rare (.0015% in the U.S) inflammatory reaction involving the intervertebral disc, that is almost always due to either a bacterial or fungal infection. Discitis infection (spondylodiscitis) frequently involves adjacent vertebrae, resulting in osteomyelitis, since the disc and vertebrae share the same pathophysiology.

Discitis Symptoms

The infection often can cause debilitating neurologic injury even death if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Children may refuse to move around or perform any movements that may extend the spine. Severe and suddent onset of lower back pain is a distinguishing trait of Discitis.

Discitis Causes

Discitis is usually caused by an outside infection entering the body. Typically the bacteria enters through an unclean wound. and the bacteria spreads through the bloodstream. More men are affected by Discitis than women at about a 2:1 ratio. Children and the elderly are at most risk of aquiring this infection.

Discitis Testing and Treatement

Discitis is typically found through elimination of more obvious causes, particular symptoms like rapid onset of the problem, and in case of children, a refusal to move around or perform movements that extend the spine. X-rays may reveal disc compression and blood tests may show unusual bacteria that has entered the blood stream.

Treatments can vary from steroidal epidural injections, or surgery in severe cases.