Here are five key points:
1. Vertebral osteomyelitis is a rare spine infection that must be caught early in order to avoid serious issues in the future.
2. Paralysis and death are some consequences of this infection if it is not treated correctly in its early stages.
3. Vertebral osteomyelitis involves bacteria (often staphylococcus aureus) in the blood entering an intervertebral disc. Although it most often happens in older people, anyone is at risk.
4. The new guideline warns people with back pain that does not succumb to rest and pain relievers to make an appointment with an infectious disease physician.
5. The guideline was written by a panel of infectious diseases physicians, an orthopedic surgeon and a radiologist.
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