Tuberculosis (TB) refers to a bacterial infection that, when left untreated, can prove to be fatal. Though this condition is often associated with the lung, it can sometimes affect other body parts, such as the spine. Spinal Tuberculosis, also known as Pott’s Disease, is one of the most common types of TB that affects the bones.
Symptoms of Spinal Tuberculosis (TB)
Spinal Tuberculosis usually affects the thoracic spine, present in the upper back, and the lumbar spine, which is located in the lower back. Some of the symptoms of spinal Tuberculosis (TB) include the following.
- Back pain
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms
As the disease advances, the symptoms can become more prominent and cause these:
- Joint deformities
- Minimal range of motion
- Swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Ulcers
- Cold abscess or pockets of pus
Spinal Tuberculosis can create pressure on the nerves and spinal cord that exit the spine while causing neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, paralysis and weakness in the limbs. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, you can consult Dr. Rohit Mishra, a neurosurgeon from Kolkata, for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Spinal Tuberculosis
Spinal Tuberculosis occurs due to M. tuberculosis that infects the bones in the spine, known as the vertebrae. The bacterium usually spreads through air and from person to person. Tuberculosis in the lungs is extremely contagious, but those in the other parts of the body, such as the spine, are not quite contagious. Once it gets transmitted from one person to the other, it can spread to the lungs and other body parts, including the spine.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic tests for spinal tuberculosis (TB) are the following.
- Skin and blood tests
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scan and PET scan
Treatments
Treatments for Spinal Tuberculosis (TB) involve various approaches.
1. Spine Surgery:
Spine surgery for Spinal Tuberculosis (TB) is an important part of treatment. The exact procedure is determined based on the extent of bone damage. Surgery includes cleaning the infected tissues, removing the eroded bone, placement of screws and rods for stabilizing the spine, or fusing the vertebrae together.
Surgery can even involve bone grafting. This procedure involves taking a piece of bone from one part of the body and grafting it into the spine.
2. Medications:
Doctors may recommend medications that can last up to six months, depending on the treatment guidelines suggested by the doctor.
Conclusion
Spinal Tuberculosis (TB) can cause severe problems if it is left untreated. Hence, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consider reaching out to Dr. Rohit Mishra, a neurosurgeon in Kolkata who specializes in spine surgery.