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Can Discitis And Osteomyelitis Cause Severe Pain Despite Wearing A Back Brace?

Posted on Wed, 4 Oct 2017

Question: I have been diagnosed with discitis and chronic osteomyelitis. The infection is in the T12, L1 area. I had a needle biopsy on 8/25. The various cultures have shown nothing as of yet. The bone biopsy does show infection. I have been started on two antibiotics, cubicin daily (intravenously) and Levaquin daily (orally). I have been on these antibiotics since 9/1. I had blood work done on 9/8. They show that my CRP and sed rate values are back in the normal range. My concern is the pain. I can’t really stand upright or put much weight on my right side without the pain ramping up significantly. I can only avoid most pain by sitting or lying down. I wear a back brace which helps with the pain when I walk (which is very little). I can ride a stationary bike with a small amount of pain. What needs to be done to eliminate this horrible pain? The pain seems to come when something is “pinched” on my right side leading to extreme cramping of the muscles in my lower back. Dr. Goel is familiar with my issue. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Good progress, but pain takes time to resolve.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
You are on antibiotics only for about 10 days and your counts are normal- this is very good progress.
Now the question of pain- There are two reasons one is discitis and second is bone infection. Pain takes much longer time, 3-4 weeks to respond due to poor blood supply in discitis area particularly. So I would suggest rest for 3-4 weeks along with spinal muscles strengthening exercises. Movements are primarily dependent on the amount of pain - If pain is less then movements can be started accordingly.
If the pain persists ever after 3-4 weeks then you may have to think in terms of fusion of T12-L1 segment.
May be the destruction is more on right side affecting the nerves and adjoining area that is why probably there is more pain on right side on movement.
I hope to have answered your question. Please feel free to ask any other question

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (3 hours later)

Thanks. I have noticed that my blood pressure and pulse rate have gone up. Normally my bp is 130 over 80 and my resting heart rate is 60 bpm. My bp now is around 155 over 90 and my heart rate is about 86. Is this because of the pain, the antibiotics, the stress or a combination of all?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the change in pulse and BP is due to stress.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
The changes in vital signs like blood pressure and pulse are due to stress of infection in your body. These will come back to normal once your healing is complete. Antibiotics generally don't cause any increase in blood pressure and pulse.
Thanx

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (13 hours later)

I have found that I can ride my bicycle with just minor pain. Would it be good to ride my bike for a little exercise or is this not a good idea? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes if there is no pain .

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Riding a bike will be a good exercise. You can do it if there is no pain.
All the best

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad