Spinal Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, Stages, And Treatment

Are you sure that the intense back pain you are suffering from can be treated through massages or physiotherapy? What if it is due to spinal tuberculosis? In this case, the treatment options will vary. Spinal tuberculosis, or Pott’s disease, is a condition in which the infection targets your spine. And while the infection is slowly spreading, it can completely alter your natural spinal structure. Through this blog, we aim to inform you about the causes, symptoms, and stages, as well as treatment options. Advice for a full recovery, as well as when to seek advice from an expert, is also provided towards the end. For more understanding, keep reading this blog until the very end.

A] What Causes Spinal Tuberculosis?

Some common causes of spinal tuberculosis include:

• Secondary Infection From TB

According to WHO, most cases of spinal TB could be due to an infection that began in the lungs. And while it may remain undiagnosed in the beginning, it slowly starts spreading. Over time, the bacteria are responsible for destroying your body’s bone structure.

• Weak Immune System

A weak immune system is one of the common causes of spinal tuberculosis. This is because the compromised immune system can reactivate the dormant bacteria. Individuals with health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or other autoimmune disorders are generally more at risk.

• Improper Or Irregular Treatment

Treatment for TB must go on for months before it is discontinued. This is because the chances of bacteria reactivating persist. With irregular dosage, the bacteria may form resistance towards the drug. To administer the proper dosage, consult an expert for spine care services.

• High-Exposure Environments

Areas with high population density have more chances of spreading TB. Even living with a person who has active TB greatly increases your chances of developing spinal tuberculosis. Individuals in professions such as healthcare and public services also need to be careful.

B] How To Recognise Spinal Tuberculosis?

Spinal tuberculosis often goes unrecognised as its symptoms progress slowly. Here are some common signs that can help you with early detection:

• Consistent Back Pain

The pain develops gradually instead of suddenly, which is seen in muscle spasms. It usually remains in a specific region, such as your chest or back. It may worsen socially at night or early morning. Routine painkillers and massages are not designed to handle this pain.

• Swelling Or Tenderness In The Spine

Most spinal tuberculosis patients mention a tightness in their back. Even simple movements like bending forward can become difficult for them. The body’s protective response can further lead to muscle spasms. In severe cases, the patient can end up with an altered posture while walking.

• Low-Grade Fever, Fatigue And Weight Loss

A persistent low-grade fever accompanied by chills is one of the most common symptoms of spinal tuberculosis. A sense of fatigue that discourages patients from completing tasks could also be present. With all these symptoms, loss of appetite and weight loss could also follow.

• Neurological Symptoms

Spinal tuberculosis could also be responsible for causing numbness, weakness in the legs, difficulty walking, and shooting pain. In certain cases, individuals can even experience difficulty with bladder or bowel control.

C] What Are the Different Stages Of Pott’s Disease?

There are 3 main stages that Pott’s disease can be divided into. Knowing which stage the patient is in helps with the treatment process. The 3 stages here consist of:

• Early Stage

The symptoms in the early stage could be confused with common back issues. Some signs here include lower back pain, mild stiffness, low energy and fever. No major deformity is visible at this stage.

• Progressive Stage

At this stage, the infection starts spreading further. The spine grows weaker, the disc becomes affected, and the formation of cold abscesses becomes prominent. With time, even maintaining a normal posture may prove difficult.

• Advanced Stage

This is considered the most serious stage of spinal tuberculosis. The bones start becoming weak, and the front part of your vertebrae becomes damaged. This makes the spine loses its natural structure. The spine could also bend in an angular shape (also known as gibbus deformity). Further, the collections of cold abscesses become more prominent.

D] What Treatment Options Are Available For Spinal Tuberculosis?

Most patients require support from both medications as well as surgical intervention. Let’s try to understand these in more detail:

• Long-Term Tb Medication

There are 4 main types of medications that are usually prescribed for spinal TB. These consist of INH, RIF, PZA, and EMB based on your condition. The treatment usually lasts for a year, with some cases taking more time to heal. The doctor can make use of X-rays to ensure that the infection is not spreading further.

• Surgical Interventions

In advanced or complicated cases, surgical intervention is often suggested. Some common cases include severe damage to the spine, kyphotic deformity, compression of nerves and large abscess formation. Some common procedures here include decompression, debridement, spinal stabilisation, and abscess drainage.

For more information, read our blog on common spinal disorders that explains the relevant treatment options available.

E] Recommended Tips After A Spine Surgery

In the initial few weeks, you would be advised to take care of your nutrition needs and limit any physical activity. A protein- and calcium-rich diet helps to support good bone health. After the first 3 weeks, some gentle stretching exercises and walking can be done. Use of physiotherapy can also be suggested for some. After 6 weeks, more exercises can be slowly introduced. After 4–5 months, lifestyle adjustments can be suggested based on your reports. Other recovery tips include prioritising sleep, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol, among others.

Why Consult A Spine Care Specialist

Instead of guessing, a specialist can help you accurately diagnose and understand the reason behind your spinal TB. Based on the diagnosis, relevant treatment plans can be suggested. For severe cases, the use of minimally invasive spinal techniques can be preferred. Guided through a holistic plan and access to advanced treatment facilities, take assistance from our spinal care specialist to treat your concerns. With qualifications such as MBBS and MS (Orthopaedics), Dr Tanay Prabhoo is an experienced spine specialist in Andheri East. His treatment plans aren’t just evidence-based but patient-centric as well. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our spine care clinic in Andheri East.

Dr. Tanay Prabhoo

Inspired by a passion to improve lives through advanced orthopedic care, Dr. Tanay Prabhoo embarked on his medical journey over a decade ago. As a skilled Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, he has committed himself to treating musculoskeletal and spinal conditions, offering his patients innovative, tailored treatment plans.