Diskitis

General Information

Diskitisis an inflammation of the disk in the space between the bones of the spine.  Most often diskitis occurs in the upper and the lower back. It causes pain and makes children want to avoid any kind of activity, such as walking or sitting up straight, especially if the movement will put weight on the inflamed area. It is a fairly common condition, and most often affects children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. There also seems to be a second peak for the condition between the ages of 10 and 14.

Young children with diskitis are generally irritable and uncomfortable and refuse to sit up, stand, or walk. A child with diskitis may also have a low fever and complain of back pain, stiffness, and abdominal pain. In older children, an increased curve of the back can be seen, especially when walking.

While treatment is usually effective and complete recovery should be expected can diskitis result in persistent back pain.