Diabetes
Smoking
Alcoholism
Obesity
Decreased immune system
Intravenous drug use
Spine surgery
Symptoms
Symptoms vary.
Backpain
Extreme backpain when active, less when in rest.
Fever
Sometimes fever
In extreme cases
Radiating pain in arms and or legs Loss of strength, numbness Inability to walk numbness in buttock, genital area and /or impotence no control over urine or faeces
Bloodtest
Blood cultures
MRI
Biopsy
Treatment
Antibiotics
Bed rest
Back corset
Rarely spine surgery is needed
When it occurs spontaneously and in more than one location, additional examination needs to be performed to find primary cause.
o Acute loss of strength / inability to walk/inability to use arms
o Numbness in saddle, genital area and /or impotence
o No control over urine or faeces
o High fever
Prevention
Life a healthy lifestyle
o Exercise and healthy diet
o Control your diabetes
o Stop using drugs, drink alcohol moderately
o Decrease weight
