Back pain? THREE common signs YOU have a bone infection REVEALED

Back pain is suffered by 2.5 million people in the UK every day of the year.

According to research by the Office of National Statistics released in March, there were 30.8 million days lost to musculoskeletal problems, including back pain, last year. 

It is often caused by heavy lifting or awkward movement, however it may be caused by a condition called osteomyelitis.

More commonly known as a bone infection, it is usually caused by bacteria, according to the NHS.

It most commonly affects long bones, such as those in the legs, but it can target the back or arms too.

When people develop a bone infection in their back, it is called a spinal infection.

But how do you know whether your back pain is because of an infection? These are three key symptoms of the condition, according to the NHS:

Fever

Having a high temperature – meaning above 38°C (100.4°F) – could be a sign.

Sufferers may also have a general sensation of feeling unwell, and experience restricted movement.

Bone pain

This can be very intense and may also be accompanied by muscle spasms.

It is also often the first symptom to appear.

Swelling

This may appear along with a redness and warm sensation in the affected area. 

Swelling may also target the lymph nodes – also known as glands – nearby.

Additionally, the affected body part may feel tender to touch.

Most cases are called by a type of bacteria called staphylococcus aureus that usually hangs around on the skin or in the nose.

Osteomyelitis can happen when a pre-existing infection in the blood spreads to a bone.

It may also develop after an injury, like a bone fracture, or bacteria can enter the wound during surgery.

Additionally, having diabetes can raise your risk.

Diabetes means the bone does not get a steady blood supply so that white blood cells, which fight infection, cannot reach the area of injury.

Factors that can therefore make people more susceptible include a weakened immune system, poor circulation, having an injury, going through orthopaedic surgery or intravenous drug misuse.