Spinal infections

Abstract

Spinal infection is a rare cause of back pain that can have devastating consequences if left untreated. Since back pain can be the only symptom in early spinal infection diagnosing it is a major challenge in primary care, where back pain accounts for 6–9% of consultations. Most episodes of back pain, which has an annual incidence of 2–5%, are mechanical in nature and are self-limiting. Only a small proportion of back pain is due to serious underlying causes such as infection, neoplasia and fractures. GPs need to be aware of the presenting symptoms of spinal infection and who is at risk, as a high index of suspicion is needed to avoid the significant morbidity and mortality associated with delayed diagnosis.