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spinal infection treatment
At MVM Health, we focus on treating spinal infections at their source — not just managing the pain and symptoms. Our goal is to relieve discomfort, restore spinal stability, and help you return to a healthier, more active life.
Helping You Find Freedom from Spinal Infections
Your spine is one of the most important structures in your body. It supports posture, enables flexibility, and protects the spinal cord — the vital communication pathway between your brain and the rest of your body. The spine is made up of a series of vertebrae, cushioned by discs, stabilized by ligaments, and powered by surrounding muscles.
Because the spine is rich in blood supply and close to vital nerves, an infection in this area can be particularly serious. A spinal infection, or osteomyelitis, occurs when bacteria or fungi invade the vertebrae or discs. This can lead to severe localized pain, fever, swelling, and potential neurological problems like weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.
At MVM Health, our Pain & Spine specialists are dedicated to managing the severe pain caused by a spinal infection, working in coordination with your primary treatment team. We offer a wide range of advanced, minimally invasive pain management options — from targeted injections and nerve blocks to spinal cord stimulation — to provide relief while the underlying infection heals.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Spinal Infection
A spinal infection can present with a range of symptoms that are often more severe and persistent than typical back pain. While localized back pain is a primary sign, individuals may also experience the following:
- Limited Spinal Mobility
- Loss of Height
- Changes in Posture (Kyphosis)
- Sudden, Severe Back Pain
- Pain That Worsens with Activity
- Pain Relief When Lying Down
Which Spinal Infections Do We Help Manage?
Understanding the source of your pain is the critical first step toward recovery from a spinal infection. At MVM Health, our team specializes in managing the severe pain associated with these serious conditions.
We use interventional pain management techniques, tailored to your unique needs and coordinated with your primary medical team, to provide comfort and support while the infection is treated. We provide targeted pain management for conditions such as:
1. Vertebral Osteomyelitis (Infection of the spinal bone)
2. Discitis (Infection of the intervertebral disc)
3. Spinal Epidural Abscess
4. Post-Surgical Spinal Infections
5. Infectious Sacroiliitis
Our goal is to safely manage your pain, help maintain your function, and support your recovery—providing critical relief while your primary medical team works to resolve the underlying infection.
Comprehensive Care for Spinal Infections
Our expert team specializes in managing the complex challenges of spinal infections—helping you reduce pain, restore spinal stability, and safely return to health. A spinal infection is a serious condition requiring prompt and precise care, and we are here to support your journey toward a full recovery. With years of experience, a trusted reputation, and a multidisciplinary approach, we deliver care that’s both effective and coordinated. We manage pain from infections caused by bacteria or fungi, whether they occur after surgery (post-operative infections) or arise spontaneously, tailoring every pain management plan to your unique needs.
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Interventional Pain Management During Spinal Infection Treatment
While the primary treatment for a spinal infection involves antibiotics or surgery to eliminate the pathogen, interventional pain management plays a crucial supporting role.
At MVM Health, your pain management journey is carefully coordinated with your primary medical team (including your surgeon and infectious disease specialist). After a detailed consultation to understand the source of your pain, we will craft a personalized plan focused on providing safe and effective relief.
- Nerve Blocks
- Epidural Blocks (often without steroids)
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
- Sacroiliac Joint Blocks
- Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Managing Pain from Spinal Infections
The symptoms of a spinal infection should never be ignored or delayed. At MVM Health, we emphasize prompt evaluation and targeted pain management to support your recovery. Seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms like severe back pain and fever is the critical first step toward resolving the infection and preventing serious complications.
Our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools—including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs—to accurately identify how the infection is affecting your spine and causing pain. In coordination with your primary doctor or surgeon, we work closely with you to build a personalized pain management plan that supports your healing and long-term wellness.
Interventional pain management offers effective solutions for managing the severe pain associated with a spinal infection. With the right, coordinated approach, we can help you stay comfortable while the infection is being treated, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Exploring Regenerative Therapy Options
After a spinal infection has been successfully treated with antibiotics or surgery, MVM Health offers cutting-edge regenerative therapies—including stem cell therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma). These biologic treatments are rich in growth factors that stimulate the body’s natural healing process, helping to repair bone and soft tissue damage caused by the infection.
Once your primary medical team has confirmed the infection is resolved, you can have a consultation with our specialists. We will walk you through the available regenerative options and help determine the best path forward to support your long-term spinal health. These therapies are an excellent next step to promote a more complete recovery and enhance mobility—without relying on further invasive procedures.
What Leads to a Spinal Infection?
A spinal infection occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms enter the bloodstream and settle in the spine. While this can happen spontaneously, it typically stems from a few common sources. These may include an infection elsewhere in the body (like a urinary tract or skin infection), recent surgical procedures, or direct trauma that introduces germs into the spinal tissues.
infection from Elsewhere in the Body
One of the most common pathways is through the bloodstream. Bacteria from an infection in another part of your body, such as a urinary tract or skin infection, can travel through your blood vessels and settle in the vertebrae of your spine.
Post-Surgical Complications
Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Bacteria can be introduced near the spine during an operation, leading to a post-operative infection in the bone, disc space, or surrounding soft tissues, even when sterile techniques are used.
Direct Trauma or Injury
A deep injury, such as a puncture wound or an open fracture near the spine, can allow bacteria from the outside environment to directly contaminate the spinal column. This direct inoculation can lead to a serious and rapidly developing infection.
How MVM Health Diagnoses a Spinal Infection
At MVM Health, we focus on rapidly identifying the cause of your severe spinal pain. If a spinal infection is suspected, our specialists begin with a detailed review of your medical history and a thorough analysis of your current symptoms, including the onset of pain and any signs of fever or illness. This is followed by a comprehensive physical and neurological examination to assess for tenderness, swelling, and changes in nerve function.
Why Choose MVM Health for Spinal Infection Recovery
If you’re dealing with the severe pain of a spinal infection, MVM Health offers advanced pain management solutions designed to support your healing and improve your comfort. Our team specializes in interventional pain management techniques that target the source of your pain—reducing the reliance on systemic opioids while your body fights the infection.
Every pain management plan is personalized to your unique condition and created in close collaboration with your primary medical team. Whether you’re dealing with severe acute pain, nerve dysfunction, or reduced mobility due to the infection, we’re here to help you maintain function and improve your quality of life during treatment.