Vertebral osteomyelitis is a type of bone infection caused by bacteria. It is most commonly found in the vertebrae of the spine, but it can spread into the epidural and intervertebral disc spaces as well. Osteomyelitis can affect any part of the spinal column, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), lumbar (low back), and sacral regions (sacrum). Depending on the severity of the damage to the spine, pain may spread to other parts of the body.