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Spinal infections

Cause
The main cause of spinal infections is an infection of the vertebrae and/or intervertebral discs. This can either originate in the spine itself or spread from nearby locations. 
Common infections are caused by:
  1. Bacterial infection
  2. Tuberculosis infection
Patients will experience pain at the site of the infection. Symptoms can be either acute or chronic. Some patients may have fever or pain during motion. If the nerves or spinal cord are compressed, it can result in numbness or weakness.
  • Plain X-ray: This is done to see the damage to the vertebrae and/or intervertebral disc.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast: This is used to confirm infection, its location, and whether there is compression on the spinal cord or nerves.
  • Blood tests: These are performed to evaluate inflammation and infection.
Treatment depends on the severity of the spinal infection.
  • Antibiotics: In mild cases, non-surgical treatment may be performed.
  • Surgical treatment: This is required in cases of severe or uncontrollable infection, or structural damage leading to spinal instability, or compression on the nerves or spinal cord.

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