Discitis is inflammation of the intervertebral discs, caused by infection or chemical reaction. It is rare but more common in children. Symptoms include back pain, tenderness, and difficulty moving. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and blood test. Treatment involves antibiotics, steroids, pain relief, and bed rest.
Discitis is inflammation of the intervertebral discs or spongy discs between the vertebrae, typically caused by an infection. In most cases, only a single disk is affected, although the infection can spread to adjacent disks. The condition is rare, but occurs more frequently in children than in adults. Children between the ages of two and seven are more prone to developing discitis. It is extremely rare in elderly patients, as the discs become smaller, less spongy and less likely to become inflamed with age.
Discitis is typically caused by an infection elsewhere in the body that enters the spine through the bloodstream. Rarely, the infection can spread from the bone to the disc. Many cases develop after an invasive procedure such as a lumbar puncture. This is most likely due to the introduction of microorganisms into the body from the procedure, leading to infection.
In some cases, a chemical reaction may be the cause of vertebral discitis. A cortisone injection into the spine can cause the discs to become inflamed in some individuals. Severe trauma to the back can also cause inflammation.
The most common symptoms of discitis include moderate to severe pain in the lower back, pain radiating to other areas of the body, tenderness around the spine, inability to bend the spine, and pain aggravation with movement. In children, symptoms may include lethargy, an inability to walk, leaning forward while walking, or difficulty getting up from a sitting position. If the condition is caused by an infection, a headache and a low-grade fever may also be present.
Discitis can be difficult to diagnose. If a patient experiences sudden back pain for no apparent reason or exhibits common symptoms, a doctor may suspect the condition and begin tests to confirm the diagnosis. A physical exam is followed by a blood test known as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test. This test checks the blood for a high sedimentation rate, which indicates that an infection is present.
Treatment of discitis typically involves taking various medications, including antibiotics, to treat the underlying cause of the infection. Steroids may be given if the condition does not improve with antibiotic treatment. Pain relievers are often prescribed and, in some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce pain. Bed rest is also recommended for most patients with discitis. Patients should make a full recovery after treatment with no long-term side effects.
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