A spinal infection occurs when bacteria or fungi invade the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, or surrounding soft tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and potential neurological symptoms.
What Is a Spinal Infection?
A spinal infection-known medically as spinal osteomyelitis or discitis-is an infectious process affecting the bone, disc space, or adjacent tissues of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spine. These infections may spread through the bloodstream, follow direct contamination during surgery, or occur after traumatic injury.
Early diagnosis is essential to limit structural or neurological complications. Spinal infections are part of a broader group of spine conditions and treatments that require timely diagnosis and specialized care.
Symptoms of Spinal Infections
Severe, localized back pain with fever or worsening fatigue is the most common early sign of a spinal infection.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Swelling, warmth, or tenderness over the infected region
- Pain that worsens with movement or at night
- Neurological changes such as numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Difficulty with bowel or bladder function
- Fever, chills, or night sweats
- Fatigue and malaise
- Reduced mobility due to pain or inflammation
Symptoms vary depending on infection severity and spinal level. Advanced infections may contribute to conditions that compress spinal nerves, such as spinal stenosis, leading to worsening neurological symptoms.
Causes of Spinal Infections
Common sources include:
- Bloodstream spread from infections in the skin, urinary tract, or other organs
- Post-operative contamination following spinal procedures
- Penetrating injuries or trauma
- Chronic conditions that reduce immune function (examples: diabetes, kidney disease)
- Intravenous drug use, which increases bloodstream infection risk
The most frequent organism is Staphylococcus aureus, though fungal infections occur in immunocompromised individuals.
How Spinal Infections Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis requires imaging, lab testing, and clinical evaluation to confirm the presence and extent of infection.
Standard diagnostic steps include:
- MRI to identify disc inflammation, bone destruction, and abscess formation
- Blood tests (ESR, CRP, blood cultures) to detect inflammation and organisms
- CT scan for detailed bone assessment
- Image-guided biopsy when culture confirmation is needed
Prompt diagnosis supports effective antibiotic or antifungal therapy.
Treatment Options for Spinal Infections
Non-Surgical Treatments
Most spinal infections are treated initially with:
- IV or oral antibiotics, usually for 6–12 weeks
- Antifungal medications when fungi are identified
- Immobilization or bracing to reduce pain and support healing
- Symptom management with medications and monitored activity
Patients may receive care in outpatient or inpatient settings depending on severity.
When Surgery Is Considered
Surgery is considered when:
- There is spinal instability or deformity
- Neurological symptoms worsen
- Abscesses compress the spinal cord or nerves
- Infection does not respond to medication alone
Surgical goals include removing infected tissue, relieving compression, and stabilizing the spine. If infection compromises spinal stability, spinal stabilization procedures such as fusion may be required to restore alignment and prevent deformity. Our board-certified neurosurgeons, including Dr. Hart P. Garner, specialize in complex spinal infections requiring advanced surgical decision-making. Dr. Michael A. Finn utilizes minimally invasive spine surgery techniques to treat infection-related instability while minimizing tissue disruption.
Spinal Infection Care in Minnesota & Wisconsin
To schedule an evaluation, complete the appointment request form or call 1.800.353.7720. Midwest Spine & Brain Institute provides comprehensive care for spinal infections across the Twin Cities metro, Greater Minnesota, and Western Wisconsin. Midwest Spine & Brain Institute provides comprehensive care for spinal infections across the Twin Cities metro, including Stillwater , Apple Valley, Greater Minnesota, and Western Wisconsin.
FAQs About Spinal Infections
What is the earliest sign of a spinal infection?
Localized back pain combined with fever or fatigue is the earliest common sign of a spinal infection.
Can a spinal infection cause nerve damage?
Yes. If inflammation or abscess formation compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, neurological symptoms may develop.
How do doctors confirm a spinal infection?
MRI imaging and blood tests are the primary tools, often supported by a biopsy to identify the exact organism.
How long does treatment for a spinal infection last?
Antibiotic or antifungal therapy typically lasts 6–12 weeks, depending on the organism and response to treatment.
Are spinal infections considered medical emergencies?
Yes. Any suspected spinal infection requires prompt evaluation to prevent progression or neurological impairment.
What causes most spinal infections?
Most cases result from bacteria entering the bloodstream and lodging in the vertebrae or discs.