Causes and risk factors
Diskitis can be caused due to bacterial infection, viral infection, or an autoimmune disorder. Risk factors include age less than 10, immunocompromised patients, post-surgical patients, and IV drug users.
Clinical presentation
Patients with diskitis present with severe unbearable backache, pain and stiffness in the back. They experience increased curvature of the back. There is difficulty in getting up and standing. Abdominal pain may occur. There may be low-grade fever. Patient is irritable.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the orthopedic doctor helps in diagnosis. Blood tests are advised like CBC, ESR. X-ray of spine is required. MRI scan of spine is recommended. Bone scans are done.
Treatment
Medicines like antibiotics, analgesic drugs, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pains are prescribed. Bedrest and immobilization is advised which will contribute further to the treatment.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating diskitis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates is also found to be effective in treating diskitis.
