M46.4: Discitis, unspecified

Discitis is a medical condition that describes an inflammation of the intervertebral disc space, typically caused by an infection. While it can occur anywhere along the spine, it frequently affects the lower back. This inflammation can come about due to a bacterial or viral infection, which may spread to the disc space through the bloodstream from another area of the body. Discitis is often subtle in its onset, slowly presenting symptoms over a period of weeks to months. Symptoms can include mild to severe back pain that might be worsened by movement, as well as fever and general discomfort. Without treatment, discitis can lead to serious health problems including permanent spinal damage and paralysis. The presence of discitis is usually confirmed through imaging tests such as an MRI or a bone scan. It's important to note that discitis is a relatively rare condition.

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