Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Bacterial Infections of the Spine
Bacterial infections of the spine are rare but can include infection of:
- The discs (discitis).
- The spinal cord (usually an infection of the tissue covering the spinal cord, called an epidural abscess).
- One or more vertebrae (osteomyelitis).
- The facet joints, which may be the site of infectious arthritis.
Bacteria that infect the spine usually originate in other parts of the body and are carried to the spine through the bloodstream. However, bacteria can enter the spine directly during surgery or injection treatments, as the result of injury, or as a result of IV drug use.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
