Key Symptoms of Spinal Tuberculosis (Pott's Disease) to Watch For | Dr. Rajat Mahajan

Tuberculosis of the spine, also known as spinal TB or Pott's disease, can present with a variety of symptoms. Here are the key symptoms to look out for:

1. Back Pain: This is the most common and early symptom. The pain is typically localized to the affected area of the spine and may worsen over time.
2. Stiffness: The spine may become stiff, making movement difficult, especially bending or twisting.
3. Muscle Weakness: As the infection progresses, it can lead to muscle weakness, particularly in the legs, due to spinal cord compression.
4. Deformity of the Spine: In advanced stages, spinal deformities such as kyphosis (a forward curvature of the spine) can develop due to the collapse of vertebrae.
5. Neurological Symptoms: If the infection compresses the spinal cord or nerves, symptoms like numbness, tingling, or even paralysis in the legs (paraplegia) may occur.
6. Weight Loss and Fatigue: Like other forms of tuberculosis, systemic symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats may be present.
7. Fever: Low-grade fever is common, particularly in the evenings or at night.
8. Abscess Formation: In some cases, TB of the spine may cause abscesses, leading to swelling around the affected area.

If you suspect any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment, as spinal TB can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

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