Do you have a spinal infection? All about Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone usually caused by bacteria and is found most commonly in young children and the elderly, although it can occur at any age.

“Osteomyelitis can occur in two forms, acute and chronic. Bacteria that enters the bloodstream through a wound or contaminated intravenous needle can cause acute osteomyelitis. Chronic osteomyelitis develops gradually in patients who have tuberculosis, AIDS and other conditions that affect immunity,” said Rey Bosita, M.D., MBA, spine surgeon with Texas Back Institute.

Symptoms of either form include:

Persistent and severe back pain intensified by movement
Swelling
Fever
Sweating
Weight loss
Depression or lethargy

There is a risk of possible neurologic deficit, so immediate treatment is necessary. An x-ray, CT Scan or MRI is required to locate the infection and any other problems, however spinal infections are rarely treated with surgery. Intravenous antibiotics are administered in the hospital and may continue at home for four to six weeks. Individual cases may indicate that oral antibiotics should be used for several months, and analgesics and bracing may be used to control pain.

Texas Back Institute, Plano, Texas: As one of the nation's largest spine clinics, the Texas Back Institute is the expert in solutions for back pain. Founded in 1978, the Texas Back Institute has always recommended non-surgical treatments because we know they work best to relieve pain in most patients. The professional staff includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons with spine fellowship training, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. From non-operative spine care to surgery, the Texas Back Institute offers chiropractic care, diagnostic procedures, fitness services, pain management, patient education, physical therapy, research and return-to-work programs including work conditioning and work hardening. To learn more about the Texas Back Institute and to obtain free updates and helpful back tips, go to www.texasback.com or call 1-800-247-BACK. Texas Back Institute's with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Midland, Plano, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For additional information, visit the Texas Back Institute website at www.texasback.com

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK