Definition
A nerve inflammation in the back is damage to a nerve through an inflammatory process. This inflammation can be caused by various factors. Only one nerve can be affected, which is called mononeuritis, or there is an inflammation of several nerves in the back, i.e. polyneuritis. If one nerve root, i.e. a group of several nerve fibres at the entrance or exit of the spinal cord, is affected by the inflammation, it is called radiculitis.
The causes
Back nerve inflammation can have many different causes. One possible cause is an infection. Viruses such as the varicella zoster virus, the Epstein-Barr virus or the herpes simplex virus type 2 are common pathogens.
But also bacteria, such as mycoplasma, can cause nerve inflammation in the back in rare cases. Another cause is an allergic reaction, whereby the nerve tissue reacts to a certain substance by activating the immune system, which leads to inflammation. However, mechanical damage, such as that caused by an accident, can also lead to nerve inflammation.
In some cases, the inflammation of the nerve is also toxic, i.e. caused by a substance that is toxic to the nerve. Inflammatory changes in the nerves in the back can also be caused by another disease, such as multiple sclerosis. If the cause of the inflammation of the nerves is unknown, this is called an idiopathic form.
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- Varicella zoster virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
An inflammation of the nerves in the back can be promoted by cold temperatures, among other things. If the back is exposed to cold draughts over a longer period of time or repeatedly, this can irritate and damage the superficial nerves in the back in particular. This initially leads to tension in the musculature. Accordingly, care should be taken not to expose the back to a draft for too long. This can also damage the kidneys.
