Definition
An inflammation of the intervertebral discs (spondylodiscitis) and adjacent vertebral bodies initially leads to uncharacteristic symptoms. In most cases, the pain and discomfort are similar to the symptoms of degenerative wear and tear of the spine.
Symptoms of spondylodiscitis
The complaint data of patients with spondylodiscitis (synonym: intervertebral disc and/or vertebral body infection) can vary greatly depending on the stage of the disease the patient is in. If it is an advanced, acute inflammation, there is severe local back pain, which may radiate depending on the spread of the infection (nerves, muscles). If the bacteria have already been sown into the body, there are also all signs of blood poisoning.
The symptoms include: With less acute courses of spondylodiscitis, unspecific back pain can exist, which can easily be misinterpreted. Increased inflammation values (see above), which cannot be attributed to any other disease (bladder infection, intestinal infection, lung infection, etc. ), then give the doctor the decisive indications for the presence of spondylodiscitis.
- Fever, chills (bacteria in the blood)
- Pain
- Knocking pain over the vertebral body
- Increase of inflammation values (leukocytes, C reactive protein (CRP); blood sedimentation rate (BSG))
- Drop in blood pressure (severe infection, sepsis = blood poisoning)
- Confusion
Typical complaints
After an often painless initial phase of the disease, dull pain in the area of the inflammation (cervical spine, thoracic spine or lumbar spine) may initially occur. The pain occurs mainly at night or during exercise. In some patients, the pain is accompanied by so-called B- symptoms.
This means fever, weight loss or night sweats can occur. In some cases the pain radiates into other regions, depending on the localization. For example, pain in the legs can be an indication of an inflammation in the lumbar spine.
Pain in the neck or arms is more likely to indicate a disease of the thoracic or cervical spine. If the pain radiates into unspecific regions, such as the abdomen, this can significantly delay the diagnosis. In the case of therapy-resistant neck or back pain, spondylodiscitis should always be considered as a suspected diagnosis. Furthermore, a strong tapping and pressure pain over the affected vertebrae is typical.
