Ms. Maral Kerimova, a 44-year-old female from Turkmenistan, travelled to India seeking expert care for persistent and progressively worsening neck pain. She consulted Dr Hitesh Garg, Head of Ortho Spine Surgery at Artemis Hospital, one of India’s leading centers for advanced spine care.
Patient History and Clinical Presentation
Ms. Kerimova presented with a history of axial neck pain radiating to the trapezius region, which had a gradual and progressive onset over time. The pain significantly affected her daily activities and quality of life. Importantly, there were no bowel or bladder disturbances, indicating preserved neurological control, but the increasing intensity of pain raised concern for an underlying cervical spine pathology.
Diagnosis: Cervical Disc Degenerative Disease
Following a detailed clinical examination and comprehensive radiological evaluation, including advanced cervical spine imaging, Ms. Kerimova was diagnosed with cervical disc degenerative disease involving multiple levels of the cervical spine. The findings correlated clearly with her symptoms, confirming disc degeneration and compression contributing to chronic neck pain.
Surgical Planning and Advanced Spine Procedure
After discussing all available treatment options, including conservative and surgical approaches, Ms. Kerimova was advised a customized surgical plan to address the pathology while preserving spinal motion wherever possible.
She successfully underwent:
Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion (ACDF) at C3–C4, to relieve neural compression and stabilize the affected segment
Cervical Disc Replacement at C5–C6, a motion-preserving procedure aimed at maintaining neck mobility and reducing stress on adjacent spinal levels
The surgery was performed with precision using modern spine surgery techniques, ensuring optimal decompression, alignment, and long-term stability.
Post-Surgical Recovery and Outcome
Remarkably, within just 2 days after surgery, Ms. Kerimova began experiencing significant relief from neck pain. Her post-operative recovery was smooth, with steady improvement in comfort, mobility, and confidence.
After a 15-day stay in India, which included post-operative monitoring, rehabilitation guidance, and follow-up consultations, she was declared fit to travel. Ms. Kerimova returned to Turkmenistan pain-free, grateful not only for her recovery but also for the care, support, and positive experience she received during her treatment journey in India.
Expert Insight by Dr Hitesh Garg
Cervical disc degenerative disease is a common yet often underestimated cause of chronic neck pain, especially in middle-aged individuals. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to prevent progression and long-term disability. Most of such cases can be managed conservatively with lifestyle modifications and neck strengthening exercises. Surgery is indicated only in cases where the conservative treatment has failed
Dr. Hitesh Garg emphasizes that advancements in spine surgery, including motion-preserving cervical disc replacement, minimally invasive techniques, and precision imaging, have significantly transformed patient outcomes. Today, spine surgery is not only safer but also focused on achieving faster recovery, reducing hospital stay, and preserving natural spinal movement, enabling patients to return to their normal lives much sooner than before.
A Journey from Pain to Relief
Ms. Maral Kerimova’s successful cervical spine surgery stands as a testament to personalized surgical planning, advanced technology, and expert spine care. Her story reflects how international patients can find world-class treatment in India—restoring health, mobility, and quality of life.