A 48-year-old, graceful lady from a city in Iraq arrived at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, in search of relief and answers. For months, she had been battling severe lower back pain accompanied by bilateral radiating pain down both legs. Her daily life, mobility, and confidence were slowly slipping away as the pain persisted and escalated.
When she visited Dr. Hitesh Garg, Head of Spine Surgery at Artemis Hospital, she was evaluated through a detailed clinical examination, blood tests, and spine imaging. The diagnosis revealed something far more serious than routine back pain — she was suffering from lumbar spondylodiscitis, an infection involving the spinal discs and adjacent vertebrae.
Understanding the urgency and the risk of progression, Dr. Garg recommended lumbar fixation from L2 to L5 along with a spine biopsy to confirm the type of infection and stabilise her spine.
Successful Surgery & Remarkable Recovery
Her surgery was carried out using advanced spine instrumentation and precise surgical techniques. The infected and unstable segments were stabilised, relieving pressure from nerves and correcting the source of her pain.
Amazingly, the very next day, she began experiencing noticeable relief. Her leg pain began to settle, her mobility improved, and her confidence returned.
After a two-week monitored recovery in India, she happily flew back to Iraq — pain-free, stable, and grateful.
What Is Lumbar Spondylodiscitis?
Lumbar spondylodiscitis is an infection that affects one or more spinal discs and the vertebrae next to them.
It can be caused by:
- Bacterial infection spreading through the bloodstream
- Tuberculosis (TB) – a common cause in Asian and Middle Eastern regions
- Post-surgical infection (rare)
- Immunocompromised states, diabetes or chronic illness
- Untreated infections elsewhere in the body that silently travel to the spine
Symptoms often include severe back pain, fever, difficulty walking, and radiating pain in the legs. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent nerve damage, spinal instability, or deformity.
Dr. Hitesh Garg’s Expert Opinion on Spondylodiscitis
According to Dr. Garg,
“Spondylodiscitis often goes unrecognised in early stages because patients assume the pain is muscular or age-related. In reality, it is frequently caused by infections—especially tuberculosis or bacteria—that travel through the blood. If neglected, it can damage the spine, cause nerve compression, and lead to paralysis. Prompt diagnosis and stabilising surgery are essential for recovery.”
He emphasises that treating the infection and stabilising the spine simultaneously offers the best long-term results, ensuring patients regain mobility and a pain-free life.
A Journey of Strength & Healing
Today, this brave woman from Iraq stands tall — pain-free, mobile, and healthy — after receiving world-class care at Artemis Hospital. Her journey is a powerful reminder that expert diagnosis, timely treatment, and advanced surgical care can change lives.