Spine Health Center

Spinal health is one of the cornerstones of our overall health and quality of life. Spine-related problems such as back pain, neck pain, postural disorders, and restricted movement can significantly affect our daily activities. As Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Spine Health Center, we treat all spinal issues with a multidisciplinary approach and innovative methods.

What is the Spine Health Center?

Our Spine Health Center is a comprehensive healthcare complex that offers solutions for all kinds of spinal and spinal cord problems, providing services with a multidisciplinary approach. Just like the foundation pillars of a building, our spine forms the basis of our skeletal structure and is vital for a healthy life. Our Spine Health Center was established to protect this vital structure, address arising problems, and improve patients' quality of life:

• Comprehensive diagnosis and assessment: Our center comprises physicians from different specialties such as orthopedics and traumatology, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation. Advanced diagnostic methods (X‑ray, MRI, CT, EMG, etc.) are used for the most accurate diagnosis of spinal disorders.
• Personalized treatment planning: Every individual's spinal problem is different, and therefore the treatment approach must be personalized. At our center, treatment plans are created taking into account your individual needs and health condition.
• Wide range of treatment options: In addition to surgical treatments (minimally invasive surgery, open surgery, etc.), we also offer non‑surgical options such as medication, injections, manual therapy, acupuncture, and nerve blocks.
• Multidisciplinary approach: Our center operates with a multidisciplinary approach. Doctors from different specialties, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, and other healthcare professionals together create and implement the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Diseases?

Symptoms of spinal diseases can vary greatly depending on the type, location, and severity of the problem. However, some symptoms are commonly seen in spinal disorders. If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed below, it is important to consult a Spine Health Center for expert evaluation:

• Back pain: Pain ranging from mild to severe in any part of the back (upper, mid, or lower back) is the most common symptom. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and may increase or decrease with movement.
  
• Neck pain: Pain and stiffness in the neck area are common. Neck pain can also radiate to the head, shoulders, and arms.
  
• Low back pain: Pain in the lower back, especially worsening after prolonged standing, sitting, or bending. Low back pain may radiate to the legs, causing sciatic pain.
  Numbness and tingling: Numbness, tingling, or a pins‑and‑needles sensation may occur due to nerve compression or irritation. These sensations are most common in the hands, fingers, feet, and legs.
  
• Muscle weakness and loss of strength: Nerve damage can affect signals to muscles, causing weakness and loss of strength. This can become noticeable especially in the hands, feet, and legs. Difficulty performing simple activities (e.g., gripping objects, walking, climbing stairs) may occur.
  
• Restricted movement and stiffness: Restricted movement may arise due to tightness, spasm, or joint problems in the spine and surrounding muscles. Stiffness is often worse in the morning or after prolonged inactivity. Difficulty moving the neck or back may be experienced.
  
• Postural abnormalities: Spinal curvatures (scoliosis, kyphosis), postural habits, or muscle imbalances can cause postural problems. Abnormalities such as drooping shoulders, hunchback, or pelvic tilt may be observed.
  
• Balance problems: Spinal cord or nervous system involvement can cause balance problems and gait disturbances.
  
• Muscle spasms: Involuntary contractions and spasms in the muscles surrounding the spine can cause pain.
  Headaches and dizziness: Particularly cervical spine problems can lead to headaches and dizziness. Conditions such as tension‑type headache, cervicogenic headache, and vertigo may occur.
  These symptoms are possible signs of spinal diseases. However, the same symptoms may also be seen in other health conditions. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is best to consult a specialist physician.

Which Diseases Does the Spine Health Center Cover?

Our Spine Health Center provides diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of spinal and spinal cord disorders. We offer solutions for spinal health problems of patients of all ages with our academic physician staff and up‑to‑date treatment methods. The main spinal diseases frequently treated at our center are listed below.

Spinal Curvature (Scoliosis)

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways. It usually appears during childhood and adolescence, but can also occur in adults. Symptoms include uneven shoulders or hips, asymmetry in the back or waist, and one side of the back appearing higher than the other when bending forward.

Treatment for scoliosis varies depending on the degree of curvature and the patient's age. For mild curvatures, follow‑up and bracing may be sufficient, while advanced cases may require scoliosis surgery. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning are of great importance.

Kyphosis (Hunchback)

Kyphosis, also known as hunchback, is an excessive forward curvature of the spine, commonly referred to as a humpback. It can cause symptoms such as postural abnormalities, back pain, and fatigue. Treatment is determined according to the cause and severity of the kyphosis. Options include postural training, physical therapy, bracing, and in some cases, kyphosis surgery.

Lumbar Disc Herniation and Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar disc herniation occurs when the discs between the vertebrae tear and press on nerves. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves. Both conditions can cause symptoms such as low back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Treatment for lumbar disc herniation and stenosis aims to reduce pain and improve function. Non‑surgical options (medication, physical therapy, injections) as well as lumbar disc surgery and laminectomy (decompression surgery) are among the treatment choices.

Thoracic Disc Herniation and Spinal Stenosis

Thoracic disc herniation is less common than lumbar and cervical herniations. It can cause pain in the back region due to disc rupture between the vertebrae. Thoracic spinal stenosis, similarly, causes narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord passes, leading to similar symptoms.

Symptoms include back pain, pain radiating to the chest area, numbness, and weakness. Treatment for thoracic disc herniation and stenosis usually starts with non‑surgical methods (medication, physical therapy, injections). However, in some cases, surgery for thoracic disc herniation or thoracic spinal stenosis may be necessary.

Cervical Disc Herniation and Spinal Stenosis

Cervical disc herniation occurs when discs between the neck vertebrae rupture and press on nerves, causing neck pain and pain radiating to the arms. Cervical spinal stenosis similarly causes nerve compression due to narrowing of the cervical spinal canal. Symptoms may include neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, and dizziness.

Treatment for cervical disc herniation and stenosis generally begins with non‑surgical options (medication, physical therapy, use of a cervical collar). However, in some cases, cervical disc surgery (such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) or cervical spinal stenosis surgery may be required.

Spondylolisthesis (Slipped Vertebra)

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. It usually occurs in the lumbar region and can cause symptoms such as low back pain, leg pain, and difficulty walking. Treatment varies depending on the degree of slippage and severity of symptoms. Non‑surgical methods such as bracing, physical therapy, and pain relievers may be sufficient for mild cases. On the other hand, advanced cases may require spondylolisthesis surgery (spinal fusion).

Lumbar Osteoarthritis (Spinal Arthritis)

Lumbar osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by damage to the cartilage in the joints between the lumbar vertebrae, leading to bone‑on‑bone friction. Symptoms include low back pain, morning stiffness, and restricted movement.

Treatment for lumbar osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and slowing disease progression. Physical therapy, pain relievers, injections, and in some cases, surgery (joint replacement) are among the options. At our center, we aim to improve our patients' quality of life with personalized treatment approaches for lumbar osteoarthritis.

Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors are abnormal masses that develop in the spinal bones or spinal cord. They can be benign or malignant. Symptoms vary depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor, but back pain and neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness) are common.

Treatment for spinal tumors may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the type and extent of the tumor. At our center, each patient's condition is evaluated by our tumor board to create an individualized treatment plan.

Congenital Spinal Diseases

Congenital spinal diseases (congenital spinal anomalies) are conditions present at birth that affect normal spinal development. They include different types such as spina bifida, congenital kyphosis, and congenital scoliosis. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity. Treatment may involve surgery, physical therapy, and orthosis use.

Spinal Infections

Spinal infections affect the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord. Discitis (disc infection) and vertebral osteomyelitis (bone infection) are common types. Symptoms include back pain, fever, chills, fatigue, and tenderness over the infected area. Treatment usually involves long‑term antibiotics; however, in some cases, surgical drainage may be necessary.

Spinal Trauma (Fractures and Cracks)

Spinal trauma results from external factors such as accidents, falls, or impacts, causing spinal fractures and cracks. Symptoms may include severe back pain, restricted movement, and neurological deficits (numbness, weakness, paralysis). Depending on the type and stability of the fracture, treatment may be surgical or non‑surgical. Options include surgical fixation, bracing, or casting.

How Are Spinal Diseases Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is the first and most important step for effective treatment of spinal diseases and for patients to regain a healthy life. At our Spine Health Center, we apply a comprehensive diagnostic process and advanced diagnostic methods. Early diagnosis can significantly increase treatment success in many spinal disorders.

Main methods used in the diagnosis of spinal diseases:

• Physical examination and patient history: The first step is a physical examination by an experienced specialist. Your doctor takes a detailed history, asking about the location, severity, onset, and activities that worsen or relieve your pain.
  
• Neurological examination: A neurological examination may also be performed to assess the effects of spinal diseases on nerves. This evaluates nerve function, muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, and balance. It is important for detecting nerve compression or spinal cord compression.
  
• X‑ray (Radiography): X‑ray is a quick and common imaging method used to visualize bone structures. Spinal fractures, dislocations, osteoarthritis, and some spinal tumors can be detected with X‑ray. It is also frequently used to evaluate spinal curvatures such as scoliosis and kyphosis.
  
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing spinal diseases. It provides detailed imaging of soft tissues (discs, nerves, spinal cord, ligaments, muscles) and bone structures. It clearly visualizes lumbar, cervical, and thoracic disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spinal cord tumors, and soft tissue problems.
  
• Computed Tomography (CT): CT is a diagnostic method that provides more detailed cross‑sectional images than X‑ray. Bone structures and calcifications are better visualized on CT than on MRI. It can evaluate spinal fractures, dislocations, spinal stenosis, and some spinal tumors. It is especially preferred in emergency situations.
  
• Electromyography (EMG): EMG measures the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. It can detect nerve compression and nerve damage. It helps determine the extent of nerve damage and which nerves are affected.
  
• Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests may also be used in the diagnosis of spinal infections, rheumatic diseases, and spinal tumors. Blood, urine, and other body fluid analyses can detect infection, inflammation, or tumor markers.

How Is Spinal Surgery Performed?

Spinal surgery (spinal surgery) may be performed on patients who do not respond to non‑surgical methods such as medication and physical therapy. It aims to reduce pain, relieve nerve compression, provide spinal stability, and improve quality of life. Spinal surgery can be performed as open or minimally invasive surgery:
Open surgery: Traditional surgery performed through a large incision to access the spine. Open surgery may still be necessary for some complex spinal disorders and trauma cases. This method provides the surgeon with a wide view and allows direct intervention on spinal structures.
Minimally invasive surgery (closed surgery): These are surgeries performed with smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive techniques reduce muscle and soft tissue damage, lower bleeding risk, and shorten post‑operative pain and recovery time.

The main steps of spinal surgery are as follows:

• Pre‑operative preparation: Before surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation. Necessary blood tests, ECG, X‑rays, and other examinations are performed. The patient's general health and surgical risks are assessed. The patient is given detailed information about the surgical procedure, risks, and expectations.
  
• Anesthesia: Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist ensures the patient sleeps and feels no pain during the operation. In some cases, local or spinal anesthesia may be preferred.
  
• Surgical incision: The surgeon makes an appropriate incision in the skin and subcutaneous tissues according to the chosen technique (minimally invasive or open).
  
• Access to the spine: The surgeon passes through muscles and other soft tissues to reach the spine. In minimally invasive surgery, special retractors and endoscopic devices are used at this stage.
  
• Correction of the pathology: The surgeon corrects the spinal problem (disc herniation, stenosis, curvature, fracture, etc.). Procedures such as discectomy (removal of herniated disc), laminectomy (removal of bone to relieve stenosis), foraminotomy (widening of the nerve root passage), and fusion (joining of vertebrae) may be performed.
  
• Closure and drainage: After the surgical procedure, the incision areas are sutured or glued. If necessary, a drain may be placed to prevent accumulation of blood and fluid.
  
• Post‑operative care: After surgery, the patient is taken to the recovery room and then to the ward. Post‑operative care includes pain control, wound care, infection prevention, early mobilization, and physical therapy. The length of hospital stay varies depending on the patient's condition.

Like any surgical intervention, spinal surgeries carry certain risks. Complications such as infection, bleeding, nerve injury, dural tear, anesthetic reactions, and thromboembolism (clot formation) may rarely occur. However, thanks to modern surgical techniques, advanced anesthetic methods, and post‑operative care protocols, the success rates of spinal surgeries are quite high.
At our hospital, spinal surgeries are successfully performed by experienced spinal surgeons using innovative surgical techniques and technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spinal surgery risky?

Like any surgical procedure, spinal surgeries carry some risks. However, modern surgical techniques, advanced anesthetic methods, and post‑operative care protocols minimize these risks.

Do you have an agreement with the Social Security Institution (SGK)?

Yes, Biruni University Hospital Spine Health Center has an agreement with the Social Security Institution (SGK). Our patients can benefit from examination and treatment services at our center within the SGK coverage.

What are the treatment fees?

For detailed information about examination fees and treatment costs, please contact our patient advisors. If you have private health insurance, you can also get information about the private insurance companies we are contracted with.

Which department should I apply to for spinal problems?

For spinal issues, you can initially apply to our Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit.

Where is your Spine Health Center located?

Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Spine Health Center is located in Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, within walking distance of the E‑5 Sefaköy Metrobus stop.

What are the non‑surgical treatment methods for spinal problems?

Non‑surgical spinal treatments include physical therapy and rehabilitation, medication, injection therapies, manual therapy, acupuncture, PRP therapy, and lifestyle changes.

What is the success rate of spinal surgeries?

The success rate of spinal surgeries varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient's condition.

Does scoliosis only occur in children?

When people hear "spinal curvature" (scoliosis), they usually think of scoliosis that appears during childhood and adolescence. However, scoliosis is not only a childhood disease. Adult scoliosis is also a significant health issue.

Can lumbar disc herniation be treated without surgery?

The vast majority of lumbar disc herniations can be successfully treated with non‑surgical methods.

Does lumbar disc herniation resolve on its own?

Yes, some lumbar disc herniations may heal on their own over time. The body can gradually absorb or reduce the herniated disc material. However, this process varies from person to person and may take months or even years.

Is spinal stenosis a progressive disease?

Yes, spinal stenosis is generally a progressive disease. Over time, the spinal canal may narrow further, increasing pressure on the nerves.

Can cervical disc herniation cause dizziness?

Yes, cervical disc herniation can cause dizziness. Dizziness caused by cervical disc herniation is called cervicogenic dizziness.