Discitis

Discitis describes the inflammation of an intervertebral disc in the spine as a result of an infection. Generally speaking, discitis can develop one of two ways.  Spontaneous discitis develops suddenly in young children (usually under the age of 10), as well as in certain patients after spine surgery, although the latter is considered rare.  In most cases, the affected intervertebral disc will develop a lesion and can lead to significant back pain and even immobility.

Causes of Discitis

Discitis is an interesting kind of infection in that it is not normally combined with the other symptoms that are most commonly associated with infection, such as fever and other illness.  However, an infected intervertebral disc can cause significant back pain as a result of nerve compression in the spinal column and can even prevent mobility in very young children. 

Discitis as a result of spine surgery occurs in a small segment of the population and will typically develop 1-2 weeks after the operation. In most cases, discitis occurs after the partial excision of the intervertebral disc during a discectomy to alleviate pressure in the spinal column.

Treatments

Treatment of discitis is a subject of much debate.  Some doctors may recommend prescribing antibiotics or demobilization for young patients, while post-operative discitis may be treated with draining, irrigation, or complete discectomy and spinal fusion.

To learn more about discitis and the other potential risks of open spine surgery, speak with your doctor. If you suffer from prolonged back or neck pain and conservative treatment hasn’t provided you with the relief you require, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about our minimally invasive endoscopic procedures.