Definition
Inflammation of the intervertebral discs, also called discitis, is an inflammation of the intervertebral discs. Since usually also the adjacent vertebral bodies are affected, it is then called spondylodiscitis. The intervertebral discs are the cartilaginous bodies that lie in the spine between the individual vertebral bodies.
There, they reduce the mechanical stress and dampen, for example, the shock load when walking. In addition to the pain, inflammation causes more and more extensive damage to the affected tissue with degeneration of the spinal column. There are various causes for an inflammation of the intervertebral disc apparatus.
On the one hand, an endogenous (from the body itself) infection with bacteria, viruses or fungi can spread to the intervertebral discs and thus lead to an inflammation. Another possibility is that these pathogens can penetrate the intervertebral discs as a result of an operation, such as surgery on the spine, or through injections in this area. In many cases, however, it is not possible to detect the pathogen in detail, and this is known as spondylitis fugax.
Diagnosis of an inflammation of the intervertebral disc
It is not always easy to make a diagnosis of the inflammation of the intervertebral discs, especially because the symptoms offered in the examination can vary greatly. Affected are usually sections of the thoracic or lumbar spine. Knocking pain and pressure pain can occur.
The mobility of the corresponding segment may be severely restricted or completely intact. As a rule, however, the surrounding musculature cramps. Often pain is described when the back is straightened from bending.
External signs of the inflammation are usually not visible. In any case, a complete neurological examination should be performed to detect any nerve damage that may have occurred. Increased infection values in the laboratory examination can be a further indication.
Damage to the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, if already pronounced, can be easily visualized in an X-ray image. However, this damage only occurs in later phases of the disease process. Typical here are dissolutions and changes in the base and cover plates of the vertebral bodies.
A more precise imaging and differentiation from possible other clinical pictures should most likely be done by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging is also the best way to detect damage to adjacent nerves, the spinal canal or the formation of abscesses or edema. If an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is not possible, for example due to a pacemaker, a CT examination can be performed alternatively. A definite confirmation of the diagnosis and, above all, the detection of the pathogen, which is important for antibiotic treatment, can then be carried out by means of puncture. Alternatively, the pathogen can also be detected by means of a blood culture.
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