Spinal Conditions
The spine is a remarkably complex structure — comprising 33 vertebrae, 23 intervertebral discs, an intricate network of joints, ligaments, muscles, and the spinal cord and nerves running through its central canal. It provides structural support to the body, enables movement in multiple planes, and protects the nervous system. With such complexity, it is perhaps unsurprising that spinal conditions are among the most common reasons for medical consultation worldwide.
Common conditions
Spinal problems span a broad spectrum. Degenerative disc disease refers to the age-related drying out and flattening of the intervertebral discs, which can cause pain and stiffness. Disc herniation ("slipped disc") occurs when the soft inner material of a disc protrudes through its outer casing and presses on adjacent nerve roots, causing radicular pain (pain radiating down an arm or leg — sciatica in the lumbar spine). Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots. Spondylolisthesis involves the forward slipping of one vertebra over another. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are common in older women. Spinal deformities including scoliosis and kyphosis affect posture and, in severe cases, organ function. Inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis cause chronic spinal pain and stiffness.
Symptoms
Localised neck or back pain is the most common presentation. When nerve compression occurs, symptoms extend beyond the spine to include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs following the distribution of the affected nerve root. Severe or advancing neurological compromise — such as weakness in both legs, difficulty walking, or bladder and bowel dysfunction — indicates cauda equina syndrome and requires emergency surgical assessment.
Choosing where to be treated
Use our independent directory to compare licensed organisations in Turkey, or read our selection guide before you decide.