Normally, the recovery from discitis/osteomyelitis is measured by symptoms, X-rays and lab testing. If you are improving, I would expect that your back pain should be diminished at 5 weeks. I do put patients in a brace with a spine infection.
What bacteria was found on blood cultures and were antibiotic sensitivities performed? Are your lab numbers (ESR and CRP) coming down? Do you have MRI or CT imaging documenting extent of bony involvement?
Dr. Corenman