Recognize the Causes and Symptoms of Spinal Tuberculosis

TB disease does not only occur in the lungs, but can also occur in organs and other body parts. One part of the body that can get TB is the spine. Recognize the causes and symptoms of spinal tuberculosis, so they can be avoided and not too late to be treated. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the entry of the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the lungs. But in certain conditions, this bacterium can actually spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. If that happens, a condition called extra-pulmonary TB or TB that occurs outside the lungs will appear. Spinal tuberculosis is also known by another name namely TB spondylitis (Pott's disease). The part of the spine that is most often attacked by spinal tuberculosis is the spine in the lower thoracic area and the upper spine. If the TB bacteria spreads to the adjacent vertebrae, infection can occur in the cushions between two vertebrae, which are called intervertebral discs. If these pads are infected, the distance of the two vertebrae will narrow and even stick. The spine will lose flexibility and damage because it does not get nutritional intake. Someone who experiences this condition can be difficult to move. In the two vertebrae attached to each other due to damage to the disc, dead cells will accumulate to form an abscess, or referred to as gibus. Gibus will make your back look hunchbacked, like something is sticking out.

What Causes Spinal TB?

As explained above, spinal tuberculosis occurs when the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis has spread through the bloodstream. In addition, there are also other risk factors that can increase a person exposed to spinal tuberculosis, such as weakness of the immune system due to suffering from HIV infection, living in an area or country where the majority of the population suffers from tuberculosis, and living in a low socio-economic level.

What are the symptoms of spinal tuberculosis?

The following are some of the symptoms that can appear when someone is exposed to spinal tuberculosis:

• Back pain in certain parts.
• At night the body sweats and fever.
• Experience weight loss or anorexia.
• Hunchback or kifosis which is sometimes accompanied by swelling around the spine.
• Stiff and tense body.
• The emergence of nerve disorders, if the nerves come disturbed.
• Protrusion of the spine (gibus).
• The appearance of a lump in the groin due to an abscess, which is often mistaken for a hernia.

The above conditions can occur gradually or may be unnoticed. Try to see a doctor if you experience the symptoms above. To diagnose spinal tuberculosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination plus a series of investigations, such as a spinal X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and biopsy of tissue around the vertebrae using a needle. Other tests that may be performed are complete blood tests, including blood sludge (LED) tests. In spinal tuberculosis patients, generally the rate of blood sedimentation will increase. After active tuberculosis can be controlled, the blood sedimentation rate will return to normal or close to normal. In people with spinal tuberculosis, there is also an increase in the number of white blood cells. Spinal tuberculosis can be treated by taking anti-tuberculosis (OAT) drugs for several months on a regular basis, without dropping out. For cases of spinal tuberculosis that cause complications, such as nerve damage, surgical procedures are needed. Recognize the symptoms of spinal tuberculosis and consult a doctor immediately if you experience suspicious complaints.