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Yes, a spinal abscess can a cause of lower Back pain, and would certainly be considered a reason to seek emergency medical care.

In addition to low back pain, a spinal abscess could also cause any of the following:

  • Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Sudden loss of motor control of the legs (marked weakness)
  • Sudden loss of sensory awareness (numbness, tingling, loss of all feeling)
  • Fever
  • Throbbing pain on movement or weight bearing
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Q: Can lower back pain be a symptom of a spinal abscess?
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Spinal cord abscess?

DefinitionSpinal cord abscess is swelling and irritation (inflammation) and the collection of infected material (pus) around the spinal cord.Alternative NamesAbscess - spinal cordCauses, incidence, and risk factorsA spinal cord abscess is caused by an infection inside the spine. An abscess of the spinal cord itself is very rare. A spinal abscess usually occurs as an epidural abscess.Pus forms as a collection of:Destroyed tissue cellsFluidLlive and dead bacteria and other microorganismsWhite blood cellsThe pus is commonly covered by a lining or membrane that forms around the edges. The pus collection causes pressure on the spinal cord. The infection may cause inflammation and swelling, which also presses on (compresses) the spinal cord.The infection is usually due to bacteria. Often it is caused by a staphylococcus infection that spreads through the spine. It may be caused by tuberculosis in some areas of the world, but it is not as common today as it was in the past. In rare cases, the infection may be due to a fungus or virus.The following increase your risk of a spinal cord abscess:Back injuries or trauma, including minor onesBoils on the skin, especially on the back or scalpComplication of lumbar puncture or back surgerySpread of any infection through the bloodstream from another part of the body (bacteremia)The infection often begins in the bone (osteomyelitis). The bone infection may cause an epidural abscess to form. This abscess gets larger and presses on the spinal cord.The disorder is rare, but may be life-threatening.SymptomsChillsFeverLoss of bladder or bowel controlLoss of movement of an area of the bodyLoss of sensation of an area of the bodyLow backache, often mild but slowly gets worse Pain typically moves to the hip, leg, or feetPain may spread to the shoulder, arm, or handMale impotenceNervous system (neurologic) symptoms that suddenly get worseNumbness in a specific, limited area (localized)Severe back painWeakness or paralysisSigns and testsA physical exam often shows tenderness over the spine. An exam may show signs of:Spinal cord compressionParalysis of the lower body (paraplegia) or of the entire trunk, arms, and legs (quadriplegia)The amount of nerve loss depends on where the lesion is located on the spine and how much it is compressing the spinal cord.Tests that may be done:CT scanDraining of abscess and culture of abscess materialExamination of cerebrospinal fluidMRITreatmentThe goals of treatment are to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and cure the infection.Urgent surgery to relieve the pressure is sometimes recommended. The surgery is called laminectomy. It involves draining the abscess. Sometimes it is not possible to completely drain the abscess.Medicines are prescribed to get rid of the infection. This may include a combination of antibiotics.Corticosteroids may occasionally be prescribed to reduce swelling and pressure on the spinal cord.Expectations (prognosis)How well a person does after treatment may vary. Some people recover completely.An untreated spinal cord abscess can lead to spinal cord compression. It can cause permanent, severe paralysis and nerve loss. It may be life-threatening.If the abscess is not drained completely, it may return or cause scarring in the spinal cord.ComplicationsThe abscess can either injure the spinal cord from direct pressure, or it can cut off the blood supply to the spinal cord.Complications may include:Long-term (chronic) back painLoss of bladder/bowel controlLoss of sensationMale impotenceWeakness, paralysisCalling your health care providerGo to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of spinal cord abscess.PreventionThorough treatment of boils, tuberculosis, and other infections decreases the risk.People with endocarditis or congenital heart disorders may need to take preventive antibiotics before having dental or other mouth procedures.ReferencesNath A. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 438.


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