Infections can develop in the area immediately adjacent to the spine. These can come from infectious processes that involve the bones or intervertebral discs. They can, also, come from infections that involve the structures of the abdomen, the chest or the neck. Paraspinal abscess's can lead to damage or destruction of the spine or the discs. Left untreated, involvement of the spinal canal or nervous system may also occur. Chronic infections of the spine, such as tuberculosis, can lead to spinal deformity and paralysis. Occasionally, paraspinous abscess's that develop in the lumbar spine can have pus track along the psoas muscle towards the groin. It can result in lower abdominal pain or a lower abdominal mass.
Causes of Paraspinal Abscess
Systemic infection, or sepsis, and transient inoculation of the blood stream with bacteria, bacteremia, can both lead to paraspinal infections. The infections may originate by bacteria deposited in areas adjacent to the spine. Infections of the organs of the neck, the chest and the abdomen, can all lead to abscess formation in and about the spine. Osteomyelitis, which can also occur from sepsis or bacteremia, can produce paraspinal infections. Disc space infections can originate in a similar fashion, and produce paraspinal infections. Operative procedures on the spine can all produce a paraspinal abscess as a complication. Occasionally, injections of the spine with local anesthetics or steroids can lead to contamination of the area and abscess formation.
Signs and Symptoms of Paraspinal Abscess
Acute paraspinal infections are most commonly bacterial. They produce severe pain in the region of the spine that is affected. Fever and chills usually develop. There is usually limited motion of the spine that is affected, and movement typically produces severe muscle spasms. If the infection invades the spinal canal, an epidural abscess may develop. Compression of the spinal cord or the cauda equina can lead to paralysis or varying degrees of weakness, numbness and bladder dysfunction.
advertisement
Find more information
Advertisement
Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is for the sole purpose of
being informative. This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical
advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse
Or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or
for answers to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please discontinue use
of MyElectronicMD and call 911 now.
Nothing contained on or provided through the service is intended to be or is
to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Your use of this site is subject to certain terms and conditions.
