What Is Spine TB?
Tuberculosis of the spine is a rare but debilitating condition caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically spreads from the lungs or lymph nodes to the spine via the bloodstream, leading to vertebral collapse, spinal deformity, and neurological complications.
Tuberculosis of the spine, also known as Pott’s Disease, occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects the vertebral bones. Unlike pulmonary TB, spinal TB progresses slowly and often presents as chronic back pain before neurological symptoms appear.
At D Spine Mumbai, our spinal tuberculosis specialists focus on early detection and customized therapy — preventing deformity, paralysis, and long-term disability.
Causes of Tuberculosis of the Spine
Spinal TB typically spreads from an existing TB infection elsewhere in the body, most often from the lungs, via the bloodstream.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Reactivation of an old or latent TB infection
- Weak immune system (HIV, diabetes, malnutrition)
- Delay in diagnosis or incomplete TB treatment
- Close contact with someone with active TB
Recognizing and treating the infection early under a tuberculosis specialist doctor can prevent serious spinal damage.
Tuberculosis of Spine Symptoms
Because symptoms develop gradually, many patients ignore them until complications arise.
Common TB in spine symptoms include:
- Persistent, dull back pain (unrelieved by rest or medication)
- Stiffness or restricted spinal movement
- Local tenderness or swelling along the spine
- Low-grade fever, fatigue, or weight loss
- Night sweats and loss of appetite
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining posture
If you notice any of these tuberculosis of spine symptoms, consult a Spine TB specialist at D Spine Clinic in Mumbai without delay.
Diagnosis: How We Detect Spinal TB
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of successful treatment.
Our Spine TB specialists use a detailed and stepwise evaluation that includes:
- Clinical examination – Identifying back pain patterns, spinal deformities, and neurological deficits
- Imaging – X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to assess vertebral involvement and spinal cord compression
- Blood tests – ESR, CRP, Mantoux test, and TB PCR (GeneXpert)
- Biopsy and culture – To confirm Mycobacterium tuberculosis and detect drug resistance
D Spine is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities to ensure you get precise results and timely treatment.
Treatment for Spinal Tuberculosis
Treatment depends on the stage of infection and the extent of spinal involvement. At D Spine, our best tuberculosis treatment doctors create personalized care plans that combine medication, rest, and if needed, surgical correction.
-
Medical (Anti-TB) Therapy
- The cornerstone of treatment is multi-drug anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) for 9–12 months or longer.
- We follow international protocols and closely monitor progress and side effects.
- Nutritional support and physiotherapy are integrated for faster recovery.
-
Immobilization and Rest
- Patients may require spinal braces or supports to prevent deformity and help the vertebrae heal.
- Gradual mobilization under medical supervision ensures safe recovery.
-
Surgical Treatment
In severe or advanced cases, our top Spine TB specialists may recommend surgery for:
- Spinal cord compression or neurological weakness
- Vertebral collapse or severe deformity
- Persistent abscesses or instability
- Failure to respond to medical therapy
Our surgeons perform minimally invasive or open decompression, debridement, and spinal stabilization — ensuring stability and function restoration.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Healing from spinal TB requires patience, adherence, and expert follow-up.
At D Spine, we guide patients through:
- Regular follow-ups with our tuberculosis specialists at D Spine Mumbai
- Gradual physiotherapy and posture correction
- Nutritional and lifestyle guidance
- Monitoring for recurrence or drug resistance
Most patients recover well when therapy is started on time and continued as prescribed.
Why Choose D Spine?
- Led by top spine TB specialists in Mumbai
- Expertise in treating lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine TB
- Personalized care plans for every patient
- Non-operative options like physiotherapy and pain management
- Surgical excellence with minimal recovery time
Whether you’re seeking the best doctor for tuberculosis treatment in Mumbai or need guidance on TB in spine symptoms, D Spine is your trusted partner in recovery.
FAQ
Spine TB, also known as Pott’s disease, is a form of extra pulmonary tuberculosis that affects the vertebrae. Unlike pulmonary TB, it targets the spine and can lead to deformity or neurological issues if untreated.
Symptoms include persistent back pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, stiffness, and, in severe cases, numbness or weakness in the legs. These are classic TB in spine symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood tests (ESR, CRP), imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT), and sometimes biopsy or TB PCR (GeneXpert). At D Spine, Mumbai, our spine specialists use advanced imaging and laboratory tests to confirm diagnoses accurately.
Yes. With early diagnosis and a full course of anti-tubercular therapy (ATT), most patients recover completely. Surgery may be required only in advanced cases. Our best tuberculosis treatment doctors provide comprehensive care and ongoing monitoring.
Adequate rest, a protein-rich diet, regular physiotherapy, and adherence to medication schedules help recovery. Avoid heavy lifting and maintain good posture as advised by your Spine TB specialist.