Spinal Infection Treatment
in Mumbai
For most people, the spine just means a rod-like structure that helps us keep our bodies upright. However, from the perspective of a spine specialist, it consists of various parts, such as the spinal column, the discs between bones, the thin covering around the spinal cord, or the space around the spinal cord. It is much more than the spinal cord itself.
What is a Spinal Infection?
If any part of the spinal structure gets infected, it leads to a spine infection. We call it differently depending on which area of the spine it affects. Although spine infections are rare, if you have one, we render spinal infection treatment in Mumbai in our clinic.
- Affected Spinal Part
- Spinal Column
- Discs
- Thin covering around the spinal cord
- The space around the spinal cord
- Disease
- Osteomyelitis
- Discitis
- Meningitis
- Epidural abscess
What Causes a Spine Infection?
Let’s understand infections are mainly caused by the following.
- Bacteria or fungi
- Previous surgery
- Patients with risk factors
Infections like Pneumonia and Tuberculosis
- These bacterial infections primarily target the lungs.
- If it is not treated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream through damaged lung tissue or during medical procedures like lung biopsies.
- Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to distant sites, including the spine.
- The bacteria can lodge in the bones, discs, or tissues surrounding the spine, leading to an infection.
Diabetes
- Diabetes weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
- High blood sugar levels can also impair blood circulation, hindering the body’s ability to deliver white blood cells (infection fighters) to fight off bacteria that might reach the spine.
- Additionally, diabetes can lead to neuropathy (nerve damage), potentially causing numbness or a decreased ability to sense pain in the back. This can delay the detection of a spinal infection until it becomes more advanced.
Cancer
- Treatment for Cancer treatmet like chemotherapy often supresses the immune system. A weak immune system is prone to infections.
- Certain cancers, including leukemia, can invade the bone marrow. This is the area in your bones that produces white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. When leukemia affects the bone marrow, it can disrupt the production of white blood cells, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of infections.
HIV
- HIV attacks the immune system and affects it significantly.
- An individual with HIV is more susceptible to various infections, including those that can spread to the spine.
Malnutrition
- Malnutrition leads to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. This in turn can make the immune system weak.
- A weakened immune system is a home to infections, including those that could potentially reach the spine.
Intravenous Drug Use
- Sharing needles or using unhygienic injection practices can introduce bacteria directly into the bloodstream.
- These bacteria can then travel and lodge in the spine, causing an infection.
Long-Term Use of Steroids
- While steroids can help manage certain conditions, long-term use can suppress the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
- This increased susceptibility can make individuals more vulnerable to spinal infections.
Spinal Trauma
- Injuries to the spine, such as fractures or open wounds, can direct bacteria to enter the spinal tissues.
- Additionally, trauma can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of bleeding, which creates a suitable environment for bacterial growth and infection.
Surgery
- Although hospitals take care to sterilize the instruments before surgery, there is a possibility of getting an infection through the surgical instruments used during the surgery.
What are the Symptoms of Spine Infections?
Warning Signs of a Spinal Infection:
Persistent Back Pain and leg pain
This pain is often severe and doesn't improve with rest. It may even worsen at night or with any movement.
Weakness or paralysis
The legs might get completely paralysed or incompletely paralysed below the level of the affected spine level due to severe mechanical pressure on the spinal cord by pus formation or destroyed bone due to the infection.
Changes in Sensation
You might experience tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in your back or limbs.
Unexplained Weight Loss
A sudden or unexplained drop in weight can be a red flag.
Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling like vomiting can occur with a spinal infection.
Signs of Infection at Surgical Site
If you've had recent spinal surgery, be aware of wound drainage, redness, or swelling near the incision site.
Fever and Chills
A general feeling of being unwell, with fever or chills, can indicate an infection.
Muscle Stiffness and Spasms
Your back muscles might feel tight and cramp painfully.
Urinary Issues
Difficulty or pain when passing urine can be a symptom.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
Incontinence of urine or stool can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
How a Spinal Infection Takes Hold?
Spinal infections can develop in a few ways:
Microscopic Culprits
Tiny organisms like bacteria or fungi can enter your spine through your bloodstream. This often happens from another infection elsewhere in your body.
Direct Invasion
During spinal surgery, there's a small risk of bacteria entering the surgical site and causing an infection.
Localized Inflammation
Once these microorganisms reach your spine, they can trigger inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Progression of the Infection:
Attacking the Discs and Bones
The infection can damage the discs that cushion your vertebrae and weaken the bones.
Nerve Compression
In severe cases, the infection can spread to the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves that run through your spine. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
Vertebral Collapse
In the most critical stage, the infection can weaken the vertebrae to collapse.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
The earlier a spinal infection is diagnosed, the better. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and causing serious complications, such as nerve damage or spinal deformity.
How is Spine Infection Diagnosed at Dr. Uday Pawar’s Spine Hospital in Mumbai?
Here’s a breakdown of blood and imaging tests typically used to diagnose a spinal infection at Dr. Uday’s Spine Hospital.
Blood Tests
Blood Culture
This test identifies the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection by placing a blood sample in a particular culture medium that allows the organisms to grow. While not specific to the spine, a positive blood culture can indicate an infection somewhere in the body, prompting further investigation for the source.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)
These are inflammatory markers. While not specific to spinal infections, elevated ESR and CRP levels generally indicate inflammation somewhere in the body. In conjunction with other symptoms, they can suggest a possible infection.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test provides an overall picture of your blood cells, including white ones. An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) can be a sign of infection in general, but it doesn't pinpoint the location.
Imaging Tests
X-rays
While X-rays may not directly visualize the infection, they can help identify signs of bone damage or changes in the space between vertebrae, which can suggest a spinal infection.
MRI Scan
This imaging technique creates detailed cross-sectional images of your spine and surrounding tissues. An MRI can reveal abnormalities like inflammation, fluid collections (abscesses), or damage to the discs or bones, which are strong indicators of a spinal infection. In some cases, a contrast dye might be injected during the MRI to enhance the visualization of specific tissues.
CT Scan
A CT scan can provide detailed 3D images of your spine and surrounding structures. It may be used in some cases to visualize the bones in more detail than an X-ray or to guide procedures like needle biopsies.
Additional Tests
Bone Scan
This nuclear medicine imaging test can sometimes detect areas of increased bone activity, which might indicate infection. However, it's not specific to spinal infections and can show positive results for other conditions like arthritis.
Myelogram
This test involves injecting a contrast dye into the spinal canal followed by X-rays. While rarely used nowadays due to the availability of MRI, it can help visualize abnormalities within the spinal canal, such as inflammation or compression of the nerves.
Biopsy
Sometimes, a tissue or fluid sample may be taken directly from the infected area using a needle or during surgery. This sample is then examined in a laboratory to identify the specific organism causing the infection. This is the most definitive way to diagnose a spinal infection.
It’s important to note that no single test is definitive for diagnosing a spinal infection. We typically use a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes a biopsy to arrive at a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
What are the Treatment Options for Spine Infections?
Spinal infections are serious, but they can be successfully treated with prompt medical attention. Here’s a breakdown of the treatment options available in Mumbai:
The good news is that many spinal infections can be treated without surgery, especially if caught early. Here’s what you might expect:
Antibiotics or Antifungal
This procedure utilizes a small incision and a specialized endoscope to visualize and remove a herniated disc fragment compressing a nerve root.
Pain Management
Spinal infections can be pretty painful. Doctors will work with you to manage your pain using medications, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or more vital medicines in severe cases.
Physical Therapy
A personalized physical therapy program can be a game-changer. Therapists will guide you through exercises to strengthen your back muscles, improve flexibility, and restore your range of motion. This can significantly reduce pain and help you regain control over your movements.
When Surgery For Spine Infection Becomes Necessary?
In some cases, surgery might be recommended. This is typically considered when:
The infection is severe
If the disease is widespread or hasn't responded well to antibiotics, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue and prevent further damage.
There's nerve compression
If the infection puts pressure on the nerves in your spinal canal, causing symptoms like numbness, weakness, or pain radiating down your legs, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure and prevent permanent nerve damage.
There are different surgical approaches depending on the specific situation. Here’s a simplified explanation of two standard procedures:
Debridement
This surgery removes infected tissue, pus, and damaged bone. The goal is to clean out the infected area and promote healing.
Spinal Fusion
This surgery removes infected tissue, pus, and damaged bone. The goal is to clean out the infected area and promote healing.
Experienced Care in Mumbai
We understand that the thought of surgery can be daunting. Here in Mumbai, we have a team of experts specializing in treating spinal infections. If you are facing an issue related to the spine or wish to have a second opinion, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blood tests alone may not definitively diagnose a spinal infection, but they can identify elevated white blood cell count, a sign of infection. Imaging tests are usually needed for confirmation.
Yes, it's possible to have a spinal infection without a fever, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems. Be alert for other symptoms like back pain, fatigue, or weakness.
Not all spinal infections require surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics may be sufficient. However, surgery might be necessary for severe infections or those unresponsive to antibiotics.
Survival rates for spinal infections depend on various factors like early diagnosis, overall health, and the type of infection. Early treatment is crucial. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
With prompt diagnosis and treatment, bones can recover from a spinal infection. However, delayed treatment can lead to bone damage or permanent neurological complications.
