Spinal Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Tuberculosis is commonly believed to be a lung condition characterized by a persistent cough, high temperature, fatigue and loss of appetite. However, it is to be understood that Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the body – abdomen, bones, joints, lymph nodes, nervous system and spine.

Tuberculosis when it affects the lungs is termed Pulmonary Tuberculosis or Tuberculosis in general, and when it affects other organs it is referred to as Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis. Though it is not as Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis does affect many individuals all around the globe. And Spinal Tuberculosis grabs the major share in this group.

What is Spinal Tuberculosis? What causes Spinal Tuberculosis?

Spinal Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection to the spine that results in the collapse of vertebrae posing an eventual risk of spinal mechanical instability, kyphotic deformity or even osteomyelitis.

According to Children and Adult Spinal Surgeon Mr Jwalant S Mehta, Spinal Tuberculosis starts as a bacterial infection to the lungs which spreads to the spine. The bacterial infection attacks the spine causes spinal arthritis, and as it progresses weakens the discs between the vertebrae leading to instability, nerve problems and even collapse of the spine if not treated at the right time.

What are the symptoms of Spinal Tuberculosis?

As said above the Spinal Tuberculosis begins when the bacteria attacking the lungs starts to spread and attack the spine. Back pain is the first symptom experienced when the spine contracts this bacterial infection. An experienced spinal orthopaedic surgeon in UK must be readily consulted at this point to stop the infection in its tracks.

In addition to back pain fatigue and weakness, neck pain losing weight and appetite, fever in the evening hours are other common symptoms of Spinal Tuberculosis. In few cases, this condition may also cause nerve root pain and paralysis of the legs.

Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis:

Orthopaedic and spine surgeons can identify Spinal Tuberculosis in its early stages using MRI or even X-rays in advanced stages. In few cases, a biopsy and TB-specific tests may be recommended for further examination and diagnosis.

Spinal Tuberculosis is a condition that can be easily treated using medication for a full course of a year if it is identified in the early stages of the condition. Treatment for Spinal Tuberculosis in UK depends on the stage of infection and its severity. In some cases where the patient starts to develop paralysis due to pressing of spinal cord pressing or kyphosis due to damage to the spinal bones, surgery is recommended by spinal orthopaedic surgeons in the UK.

Spine surgery may also be a choice when the conservative medications fail to provide expected results, says our Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Jwalant S Mehta who has performed extensive research on Spinal Tuberculosis of Thoracic Spine. If you are living in and around the UK and are looking for an Expert Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeon in UK who can help you treat Spinal Tuberculosis then you can contact Children and Adult Spinal Surgeon Mr Jwalant S Mehta here.