Spine conditions · Long Beach, CA

Spinal infections in Long Beach, CA

Infections of the spine are uncommon but serious. They can damage bone, discs and nerves if they are missed, and they respond well when they are caught early and treated properly.

Spinal infections care in Long Beach, with patients welcome from across South Bay, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area.

Book a consultation (562) 427-8119

Overview

What is a spinal infection?

A spinal infection happens when bacteria, or less often fungi, reach the spine. The infection can settle in a vertebra (osteomyelitis), in a disc (discitis), or in the space around the spinal cord (an epidural abscess). Germs usually arrive through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body, such as a skin, urinary or dental infection. Less often they follow a spine procedure or injection.

Because the early symptoms are vague, back pain with a low fever is easy to mistake for a strain, and the diagnosis is often delayed. Dr. Bhalla treats spinal infections together with infectious disease specialists. Most are cured with antibiotics alone. Surgery is reserved for infections that threaten the nerves, destabilize the spine or fail to respond to medication.

Book a consultation (562) 427-8119

Causes

How infections reach the spine

The spine has a rich blood supply, which is how germs from elsewhere in the body can find their way there.

Spread through the blood

The most common route. An infection in the skin, urinary tract, lungs or heart valves seeds the spine.

After a procedure

Rarely, bacteria enter during spine surgery, an injection or a lumbar puncture.

Weakened immune system

Diabetes, steroid use, chemotherapy, HIV and kidney disease all raise the risk.

Intravenous drug use

A major risk factor, because non sterile injections carry bacteria directly into the bloodstream.

Recent infection or sepsis

A bloodstream infection in the previous weeks can leave bacteria behind in the spine.

Older age and poor nutrition

Both make it harder for the body to clear bacteria before they settle in bone.

Symptoms

What to watch for

Spinal infections tend to announce themselves slowly. The key clue is back or neck pain that behaves differently from ordinary strain.

Common symptoms

Back or neck pain that is constant, including at night and at rest
Pain that keeps getting worse over days to weeks
Fever, chills or night sweats
Feeling generally unwell, tired or losing appetite
Tenderness when the spine is pressed
Stiffness and difficulty moving the spine

See a doctor right away if

New weakness, numbness or trouble walking
Loss of bladder or bowel control
High fever with severe back pain
Back pain after a recent bloodstream infection or spine procedure

These can be signs of a problem that needs urgent care. Call (562) 427-8119 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Diagnosis

How we confirm it

Speed matters. The sooner we know which germ is involved, the sooner the right antibiotic can start.

01/Listen
History and risk factors
Recent infections, procedures, fevers and conditions that weaken the immune system.
02/Test
Blood tests
Inflammation markers and blood cultures, which often identify the bacteria without a biopsy.
03/Image
MRI with contrast
The best test for spinal infection. It shows involved bone and discs and any abscess pressing on nerves.
04/Confirm
Biopsy if needed
A needle sample under imaging guidance identifies the germ when blood cultures do not.

Treatment

How it is treated

Most spinal infections are cured with medication. Surgery has a clear and limited role, and Dr. Bhalla will explain exactly when it is needed.

First: without surgery

Where almost everyone starts

Intravenous antibiotics, usually for six weeks or longer
Oral antibiotics to complete treatment at home
A brace for comfort and to protect weakened bone
Close follow up with repeat blood tests and imaging
Treating the original source of infection

When needed: surgery

The least invasive option that will work

Draining an abscess that is pressing on the spinal cord or nerves
Removing infected bone and disc that will not clear with antibiotics
Stabilizing the spine if the infection has destroyed supporting bone
Minimally invasive drainage where possible

Everyday care

Recovering fully

Recovery from a spinal infection takes patience. Finishing treatment completely is what prevents it from coming back.

01Take every dose of antibiotics, even once you feel well.
02Keep every follow up visit. Blood tests tell us the infection is truly gone.
03Control blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes.
04Eat enough protein. Bone and tissue need it to rebuild.
05Return to activity gradually, guided by your care team.
06Report any return of fever or worsening pain the same day.

Questions

Things patients ask about spinal infections.

If your question is not here, call the office. We are happy to talk it through.

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How do I know if my back pain is an infection?

Ordinary back pain eases with rest and changes with position. Infection pain is constant, often worse at night, and keeps building over days or weeks, usually with fever or feeling unwell. If that sounds like your pain, see a doctor promptly.

Will I need surgery?

Most patients do not. Antibiotics cure the majority of spinal infections. Surgery is used when there is an abscess pressing on nerves, when the spine has become unstable, or when the infection does not respond to medication.

How long does treatment take?

Antibiotics typically run for six weeks or more, starting intravenously and often finishing by mouth. Bone heals slowly, so full recovery of strength and comfort can take several months.

Can a spinal infection come back?

It can if treatment is cut short or the original source is not addressed. Completing the full course and attending follow up visits makes recurrence uncommon.

Near you

Spinal infections treatment in Long Beach, CA

If you are living with spinal infections in Long Beach or a nearby city, Dr. Bhalla can examine you, explain your options and plan the least invasive treatment that will work. Dr. Bhalla leads the Spine Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center.

Most people start with a consultation and imaging. Patients come from Signal Hill, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Orange County and across Southern California.