Spinal Infection Treatment in NYC | Spinal Infection Symptoms

What is a Spinal Infection

A spinal infection is a relatively rare condition whose prevalence can vary depending on the region and population. But simultaneously, it is a severe illness because bacteria, fungi, or viruses attack your spinal cord or vertebrae. If left untreated, a spinal infection can cause paralysis or even death.

There are different types of spinal infections, the most common of which include:

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the spine’s bones usually caused by bacteria.
Discitis: An infection of the disc between the vertebrae is called discitis.
Abscess: A spine infection can lead to an abscess, a buildup of pus around the spine’s tissues. This can be very painful and require drainage and antibiotic treatment.

Do you suspect that you have a spinal infection? Notify your surgeon or doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Infection?

There are two types of spinal infections: discitis and osteomyelitis. In discitis, pathogens infect the intervertebral discs, while in osteomyelitis, the spine’s bones become infected. Spinal infections should be diagnosed as early as possible. Sometimes, they develop slowly, over weeks or even months.

Because of the slow progression, it is essential to recognize some of the warning signs of a spinal infection:

Persistent back pain
Fever – high body temperature can also be a sign of infection.
Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms, legs, or trunk may indicate nerve compression or damage due to a spinal infection.
Difficulty moving or bending the spine due to pain or stiffness.

If you suspect an infection, you should see a specialist. Although doctors can treat most spinal infections, they can be fatal if left untreated.

How Can it be Treated?

A team dedicated to earning its name as the premiere New York pain management center, the New York Pain Care staff is dedicated to giving its patients the pain relief that they desperately need. For residents of NYC, back pain is a common problem that may become debilitating if left untreated. At NYPC, our patients place their trust in the quality care we provide for them as well as the state-of-the-art equipment we use and expert medical specialists that treat them.

One of many spinal maladies which we treat at NYPC is spinal infection. This serious condition occurs when an infection or illness found in a remote part of the body is carried through the blood to the spinal column. Long after the original illness has come and gone, the infection remains in the column’s discs and spreads throughout the vertebrae. This results in pain or deformity which only worsens as discs weaken and collapse due to bacteria growth. If left to run its course, the infection will ultimately cause the bones and disc to collapse upon the spinal cord itself, creating crippling and possibly permanent pain.

While this nightmare scenario may potentially happen to anyone, there are quality medical teams around which can prevent even the most advanced condition from progressing.

When you experience lower back spine pain, turn to the trusted staff found at New York Pain Care for help. What you put off doing today could very well have a dramatic impact on your future health and well-being.

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