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What Causes Pulsating Sharp Spine Pain?

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Posted on Sat, 29 Mar 2014
Question: I have had increasing pain in my spine for a few weeks. It is a pulsating sharp pain that feels like a tingly pulse. It literally pulses. It feels like I'm lying on a ball or lump but I don't see any lumps on my back. To make matters worse, I've started to lose control of my bladder. This is confusing to me because I have a bladder tape and I've never experienced issues since it was placed. Is it possible I have a kidney infection. The pain is felt right in the center along my spine.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: You may need MRI Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I have studied your case. From your presenting complains, it can be infection in spine. Are you also having fever, weight loss? I would recommend you to get ESR, CRP and MRI of spine. These investigation will give us clear picture if there is any pus or infection in spine. Other possibility is a osteoporotic fracture. Both infection and fracture can cause nerve compression at back which leads to bladder dysfunction. I will also suggest you that MRI and other investigations should be done early as chances of recovery are less if treatment is delayed. I do not think that a kidney infection present like this. Are you also having burning urine or increase urinary frequency? These are sign of kidney infection. If answer is No then there is no kidney infection for sure. Feel free to ask any other question. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (26 minutes later)
Im not experiencing increased frequency or burning. Ive had fever but not above 101. Can you tell me what kind of dr I should see for this? Also, are the tests you mentioned invasive? Im assuming an infection could be treated with antibiotics, how is fracture treated? You recommended early investigation. What could happen if it is delayed? Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: infection is treatable Detailed Answer: Hello, i will give answers of all followup questions, point by point. If no other urinary symptoms, then kidney problem is not there. I would suggest you to meet a orthopedic surgeon for management. As far as treatment is concerned, yes, you are right that antibiotics treat infection but you have to take them for longer time as spine heals slowly. I advice you ESR,which is a blood test and requires a needle prick. If fracture is present then it will need rest, and calcium supplementation. I told you that if infection is not treated there are chances that weakness can occur in leg, leading to difficulty in walking.So do it fast. Let me know if you have any other query.Thanks.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4486 Questions

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What Causes Pulsating Sharp Spine Pain?

Brief Answer: You may need MRI Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I have studied your case. From your presenting complains, it can be infection in spine. Are you also having fever, weight loss? I would recommend you to get ESR, CRP and MRI of spine. These investigation will give us clear picture if there is any pus or infection in spine. Other possibility is a osteoporotic fracture. Both infection and fracture can cause nerve compression at back which leads to bladder dysfunction. I will also suggest you that MRI and other investigations should be done early as chances of recovery are less if treatment is delayed. I do not think that a kidney infection present like this. Are you also having burning urine or increase urinary frequency? These are sign of kidney infection. If answer is No then there is no kidney infection for sure. Feel free to ask any other question. Take care.