Spinal Infection? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Liisa · 09-13-2003, 09:45 PM

If a person was having specific lower back pain (below the waist) for weeks that was slowly getting worse, how would a dr know if it is a mechanical problem or a spinal infection? I have now convinced myself it is the latter as my bloodwork showed an elevated WBC and I am now running a low grade fever. Dr had put me on prednisone which is the only thing that eased the pain in the back, but now am on a second round which is not working as well now. Have an appt on the 24th with a neurosurgeon but they have not taken any xrays up to this point. I feel flu-ish and the back pain is constantly there now. Could it be a spinal infection and how would they determine that exactly?
Thanks for any info.

Liisa · 09-14-2003, 06:04 AM

bumped so it wouldn't fall off the page lol

NYFUSED · 09-14-2003, 08:46 PM

HI,
A spinal tap would show infection. They draw a small amount of fluid out from the spinal cord in the lumbar area. Did they check your c-rective protein and ESR (SED RATE) That also shows infection and inflamation. I had a staph infection after my surgery and I felt the same way. I wish you luck and hope you feel better.

Lori
laminectomy L4-5 2001
ACDF C5-6-7 10/2002
POST. LAMINECTOMY -FORAMINOTOMY C6-7 6/4/2003
STAPH INFEC. HOSP 7/4- 7/9/2003

Debbie2 · 09-14-2003, 09:20 PM

I for sure would call the doctor if the course they have you on isn't working. When you see the NS on the 24th, surely you will have an xray then. Sorry I can't be of more help, didn't have these symptoms. Call and check with the doctor.... Maybe you just have an infection totally unrelated to this?
Debbie

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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.

lostsoul15204 · 09-15-2003, 03:39 AM

Liisa, Infection will also show up on mri, it appears as a cloudy area arounmd where infection has settled, this along with elevated wbc,c-reactive protien and sed rate(which should be between 0-15) I have an infection in my spine caused by a rare form of strep,believe me when I tekk you it sucks, they usually dissappear after 6 weeks of IV antibiotics, well It's been 14 months and I still have mine, I was on antibiotics for over 9 mo. and I still have it!!!I see neurologist before my next operation to try to clean out more of infected area. I sincerely hope you don't have an infection. Good luck abd God Bless,

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Rick