Bone Infections
The spinal cord and surrounding tissues such as nerve endings can become infected with harmful pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, or fungi) and cause spinal infections. This type of infection can also occur when infections from other body parts travel to the spine. Furthermore, additional causes of spinal infections include injuries or spinal surgery and a complication of body conditions such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer.
Some common examples of spinal infections include spinal epidural abscess (an infection that develops in the protective membranes of the spinal cord) and vertebral osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the vertebral bones. Signs and symptoms of spinal infections can include:
- Severe back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling and tenderness in the back
- Loss of sensation in the legs
If you have ongoing low back pain due to spinal infection, it will usually be followed by moderate to high-grade fever and chills.