What Are the Types of Spinal Infections?

Types of spinal infections include:

• Vertebral osteomyelitis: These infections most often occur in the lumbar spine and can cause pain in the arm or leg, fever, weight loss, muscle spasms and problems with walking or using your hands.
• Discitis: This uncommon infection can occur on its own or after surgery. Symptoms include pain with spine movement, radiating pain in various body regions, and fevers and chills.
• Spinal epidural abscess: Most commonly found in the lumbar region, these infections can cause weakness, skin boils, back pain, arm or leg pain, spine tenderness, and bowel, bladder and abdominal issues.
• Spinal subdural empyema: This infection is very rare and usually stems from an infection in another area. It can cause a fever and arm or leg pain.
• Meningitis: Causing swelling in the tissues around the brain and spine, this infection can spread rapidly and can cause severe complications, if not treated properly.
• Spinal cord abscess: This infection is caused internally in the spine and is very rare. It can cause fever, back pain and a decline in spine function.