Treatment
The goal is to treat the cause of the inflammation and reduce pain. Your child may receive anti-staphylococcal antibiotics if the health care provider suspects an infection. Autoimmune diseases are often treated with anti-inflammatory medications.
If the condition does not improve steroids may be given, although an infection should be ruled out first. Pain may be relieved with oral painkillers (analgesics) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Talk to the health care provider about the best choice of medications.
Bed rest or immobilization (which may require a body cast) may be recommended in some cases.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Children with an infection should fully recover after treatment. Chronic back pain from this condition is very rare.
In cases of autoimmune disease, the outcome depends on the condition. These are often chronic illnesses.
Complications
- Persistent back pain (rare)
- Side effects of medications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if your child has persistent back pain or problems with standing and walking that seem unusual for his or her age.
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Diskitis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Diskitis : Symptoms &, Diagnosis & Tests
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Diskitis : Treatment
Review Date : 7/17/2008
Reviewed By : Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
