Infection

Osteomyelitis is an infection to the bones of the spine and usually results from a bacterial urinary tract infection which spreads.

Common Signs & Symptoms

• Local or general pain which does not alter with position or movement
• Aches, chills, rashes, fever, nausea, vomiting, weakness, swelling, itchiness, inflammation
• Feeling tired or generally 'under the weather'

Description

Infections causing back pain can arise from several sources:

• Internal organs, most commonly the kidneys
• General infection to a body system
• Osteomylitis- infection of the bones of the spine

The pain arising from infections can produce severe, localised pain, usually without pins and needles.

Osteomyelitis is an infection to the bones of the spine and usually results from a bacterial urinary tract infection which spreads. Infection normally causes a focal pain and is less likely to cause nerve signs and symptoms such as pins and needles or numbness.

Advice & Treatment

Diagnosis of infections can be complicated and will usually involve blood or urine tests and treatment usually begins with a course of antibiotics. It's important to see your doctor as soon as you begin to develop symptoms to detect infections early as depending on how long the infection has been present, there may or may not be permanent damage to the spine.

It's generally recommended to keep moving little and often within pain limits to keep your blood flowing and help your immune system.