Vertebral osteomyelitis as another cause of low back pain: case report

A case is reported of a 47 year old man with an insidious onset of low back pain while hospitalized for septicemia. The etiology was not investigated and pharmacologic therapy was instituted. Several weeks after discharge, the patient presented to our chiropractic college clinic for the diagnosis and therapy for his low back pain. Radiologic examination of the lumbar spine revealed classic signs of a vertebral osteomyelitis. Manipulative therapy was contraindicated and the patient was referred for biopsy and appropriate antibiotic therapy. A review of the clinical presentation and appropriate diagnostic protocol are presented.