Treatment 11 of 11
Spondylodiscitis is an infection of a spinal disc and the vertebrae next to it. It is uncommon but serious, and early treatment makes a big difference.
At a glance
The infection usually starts in or near the disc and spreads to the neighbouring vertebrae. It can be caused by bacteria (most often Staphylococcus), by tuberculosis, which is common in India, and rarely by fungi.
It most often affects the lower back. Without treatment it can damage the bones, cause deformity or press on the nerves.
You may benefit from an assessment if you have:
Blood tests (white cell count, ESR, CRP), blood cultures, MRI to show the infection, and often a biopsy to identify the germ so the right medicine is given.
Non-surgical options come first. Surgery is advised only when it is likely to help.
After treatment, the team builds a recovery plan around you.
People with diabetes, kidney or liver disease, cancer, HIV or other conditions that lower immunity, those on steroids or chemotherapy, and people who have recently had surgery or an infection elsewhere.
Yes. Spinal tuberculosis is treated with a full course of anti-TB medicines, usually for many months. Surgery is needed only in some cases.
When there is pressure on the nerves, a large abscess, instability or deformity, or when the infection does not respond to medicines. In children, treatment is non-surgical.
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