Discitis

What Is Discitis?

Discitis, or disc space infection, is an inflammatory condition that affects the intervertebral disc space located between two vertebrae, or bones, of the spine. Discitis may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or other inflammatory processes such as those associated with autoimmune disease. The condition most commonly affects the discs in the lumbar (low back) and thoracic (middle/upper) portions of the spine.

Discitis can be very painful; the pain also tends to be aggravated by movement of the spine and often radiates to other parts of the body such as the abdomen, hip, leg or groin.

What Are The Symptoms Of Discitis?

In addition to back pain, symptoms of discitis may include:

Fever
Chills
Sweating
Stiffness
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

Young children with this condition may act irritable and uncomfortable and refuse to sit up, stand or walk.

How Is Discitis Diagnosed?

To determine if discitis is the cause of you or your child’s back pain or other symptoms, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following tests:

X-ray – to check for narrowing of the disc space between vertebrae
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – to check for inflammation of the disc space
Bone Scan – which may reveal increased uptake at the inflammation site
CBC (Complete Blood Count) – to check for an elevated white blood cell count
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) – to check for an elevated sedimentation rate, an indicator of inflammation

How Is Discitis Treated?

The goal of treating discitis is to eliminate the cause of the inflammation and reduce the pain and other symptoms. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication and/or steroids may be prescribed. Bed rest and the use of a brace for immobilization and support of the affected area also may be recommended.

A full recovery can be expected in cases that involve infection. In instances in which discitis has developed as a result of an autoimmune disease, recovery may depend on management of that disease, as most autoimmune conditions are typically chronic.

Discuss your condition thoroughly with your doctor, and rely on his or her judgment regarding which treatment option is most appropriate.

Mesquite Office

18601 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 618
Mesquite, Texas 75150
214-782-9222

North Dallas Office

10 Medical Plaza Parkway Plaza III Ste 206
Dallas, Texas 75234
214-782-9222

Fort Worth Office

1000 9th Avenue, Suite A
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
214-782-9222

Arlington Office

1000 North Davis Street Ste. G
Arlington, Texas 76012
214-782-9222

Lancaster Office

2700 W Pleasant Run Rd. Ste 210
West Enterance
Lancaster, Texas 75146
214-782-9222

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.

It is essential to consult directly with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, medical advice and treatment. Comprehensive Spine Center of Dallas is not liable for any person acting or refraining from acting on the information provided. By using this website you agree to use the content only for informative purposes.