The cases of 32-year-old man and 42-year-old women are presented. Their history illustrates difficulties in the diagnosis of tuberculosis of the vertebral column. The patients suffered significant pains in the lumbar region lasting one year. Despite the presence of some abnormalities in lumbar vertebrae on x-rays no examinations were ever performed to establish the diagnosis. Lumbago and osteoporosis were considered as the cause of complaints. Aetiology was confirmed only when patients developed disseminated tuberculosis of the lungs. Antituberculous chemotherapy was successful and brought a fast improvement in general status of the patients.