Spondylodiscitis in a Patient Undergoing Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Presenting to a Chiropractor: Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Spondylodiscitis is a rare but severe condition characterized by spinal and paraspinal infections that will present to healthcare providers, including chiropractors, because of neck pain. Patients who undergo peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease or have a complex medical history may present with musculoskeletal complaints with complicated and uncommon underlying causes. This report reviews the possible relationship between spinal infection and dialysis, as well as the role of the chiropractor in identifying and managing critical conditions. A 66-year-old Asian man undergoing peritoneal dialysis presented to a chiropractic clinic with pain in the left arm. The patient did not present with a fever. Upon examination, the upper limb muscle strength and reflexes were diminished. Neck pain was also experienced during the range of motion examination, and movement was limited in all directions. Magnetic resonance imaging was ordered. The patient was diagnosed with acute spondylodiscitis. Due to its nonspecific presentation, patients with severe and urgent cases, such as spondylodiscitis, may present to chiropractic offices to seek conservative treatment of pain symptoms. This report highlights the potential role of chiropractors in the early detection and management of complex conditions such as spondylodiscitis in patients on chronic dialysis.